Premier Tech and Embarquez!: a partnership that inspires momentum

Premier Tech is pleased to announce its three-year commitment to supporting the Embarquez! program by the Fédération québécoise des sports cyclistes (FQSC). 

This partnership enables the program to offer workshops across various regions of Quebec, including Bas-Saint-Laurent and Indigenous communities.

The Embarquez! program aims to teach third- to sixth-graders to ride bikes safely while building their autonomy and confidence. With a fleet of 30 bicycles, experienced instructors guide the children, introducing some to the balance, movement, and freedom of cycling for the first time, while helping others refine their techniques and learn more about bike mechanics.

“At Premier Tech, we believe that initiatives like Embarquez! can truly change the lives of these kids and positively impact their communities. By helping them develop autonomy and confidence and encouraging an active lifestyle, we are concretely promoting mobility and well-being for the next generation. This partnership amplifies our contribution and reflects the values that guide us every day,” said Yvan Pelletier, senior vice-president of organizational development at Premier Tech.

To make the joy of cycling accessible year-round, the program also offers workshops on oversized tire bikes — or fatbikes — allowing kids to get introduced to this discipline. Whether on snow or rough terrain, these sessions help children develop their comfort and confidence in a unique and challenging environment.

The support of Premier Tech also enables the Embarquez! program to continue offering workshops in Indigenous communities, where around 30 bicycles are donated during each activity to ensure sustainable access to cycling as a mode of transport.

Since 2023, four Indigenous communities have benefited from these workshops. The most recent activity took place in the Innu community of Uashat Mak Mani-Utenam, near Sept-Îles, in 2024. A fifth activity is planned for 2025 in the Innu community of Pessamit on the Côte-Nord.

“The support of Premier Tech has been instrumental in the evolution of the Embarquez! program, enabling the addition of new activities like winter fat-tire bike workshops in Bas-Saint-Laurent. It has also allowed the FQSC to establish a sustainable and inclusive approach in Indigenous communities. This partnership serves as a catalyst for innovation and adaptation to Quebec’s diverse realities,” said Louis Barbeau, Executive director of the Fédération québécoise des sports cyclistes.

“The Embarquez! program represents much more than just an activity: it offers our young people a tangible opportunity to push their limits, build confidence, and discover the joy of an active lifestyle,” said Caroline Lévesque, Director of École Vents-et-Marées in Cacouna. “Embarquez! perfectly complements our circus arts program, which is at the heart of our school’s educational project. Thanks to this partnership with a committed local player, we are seeing positive impacts both individually and collectively. It’s a beautiful demonstration of what we can achieve together.”

Amplifying impact

All proceeds from this initiative are donated to Embarquez!, directly contributing to the program’s funding.

By choosing to purchase these refurbished devices, team members actively support young people while taking a concrete step to reduce technology waste — a positive impact both socially and environmentally.