On May 8, 2025, more than 60 video game enthusiasts from grades 5 to 12 representing nine Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon schools gathered in Sudbury to take part in the very first CSC Nouvelon electronic sports league tournament. This friendly competition held at the Board office brought together students from the following elementary and secondary schools : École Ste-Marie (Azilda), École Alliance St-Joseph (Chelmsford), École élémentaire catholique La Renaissance (Espanola), École Saint Nom de Jésus (Hornepayne), École St-Pierre (Sudbury), École St-Thomas (Warren), École secondaire catholique Champlain (Chelmsford), École secondaire catholique La Renaissance (Espanola) and Collège Notre-Dame (Sudbury).
Aleksandre Gravel and Caleb Séguin of École Alliance St-Joseph won the Division A championship banner. From left to right: Lizette Lacourcière (CSC Nouvelon teaching consultant), Aleksandre Gravel, Caleb Séguin, Charles Lavallée (Director of IT Services for CSC Nouvelon).
The 24 participating teams played competitive Rocket League matches to earn a spot in the finals of their respective divisions. The matches were broadcast on screens allowing students to follow along, observe their opponents, and cheer on their teammates. In the championship finals, Team "Les grands plats" (The Grand Plats) from École Alliance St-Joseph (Chelmsford) won the Division A banner against Team "Lions 1" from École Ste-Marie (Azilda), while Team "JustDoIt" from Collège Notre-Dame (Sudbury) claimed the Division B banner against Team "Le duo dynamique" (Dynamic Duo) from ÉSC La Renaissance (Espanola).
By participating in CSC Nouvelon's school Esports league, students can explore action-based video games while developing skills in digital literacy and citizenship, collaboration and teamwork, communication, and school engagement. Unlike traditional sports, which rely on physical athleticism, Esports promote mental dexterity, strategic thinking, and quick decision-making.
Anthony Gauthier and Ethen Johnston of Collège Notre-Dame won the Division B championship banner. From left to right: Lizette Lacourcière (CSC Nouvelon teaching consultant), Anthony Gauthier, Ethen Johnston, Éric Lancup (IT coordinator-analyst for CSC Nouvelon).
"We are proud to offer our students new opportunities for academic and social development that promote a responsible and healthy approach to Esports, " stated Mr. Tom Michaud, Director of Education at CSC Nouvelon. "This long-awaited tournament allowed us to bring together many young Francophones who are passionate about the digital world and provide them with an authentic experience in a structured, inclusive, caring, and innovative environment. Congratulations to all the participants!".
