Beyond the Games – Montreal’s Olympic Story
McCord Stewart Museum
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Chapters

Olympic legacy

In the end, were the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games a good idea? Opinions are divided. After all, the Games left the province of Quebec with a huge debt and a stadium roof that is still costing money today.

But the Games also left a very positive legacy. The Olympic Park and other infrastructure built for 1976 have provided athletes with modern training facilities. These buildings have also enabled residents to discover new sports and enjoy access to high-quality facilities; a truly worthwhile investment in the health and well-being of Montrealers.

Image details — In black and white, Montreal's massive concrete Olympic Stadium looks a little like a flying saucer. Crowds of people are circulating around the imposing building. Others are sitting on a grassy area.
Crowds heading to the opening ceremony of the Montreal Olympic Games, July 17, 1976

Thanks to Expo 67 and the 1976 Olympics, Montreal built a reputation as a city that can host major events. Since then, it has welcomed international competitions, the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix, large festivals like the International Jazz Festival, Les Francofolies and Just For Laughs, and much more.

In other words, the Games elevated Montreal’s standing as an international city!

The Jeux de Montréal

Having seen how enthusiastic Montrealers were about the Olympic Games, the city decided to create the Jeux de Montréal in 1978. The aim of these competitions is to encourage young people to engage in sports and help train the next generation of Olympic athletes. For many participants, the Jeux de Montréal is their first sports competition. Events take place in all the boroughs, sometimes at sites used at the 1976 Games!

In 2025, the delegation from Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce won first place, followed by the team from Ahuntsic-Cartierville, and then Lachine.

Have you ever taken part in the Jeux de Montréal?

Watch video — Aven Jairho Allana and the Jeux de Montréal Medium close-up of Aven Jairho Allana, smiling, in front of a grey background. He is wearing a black track jacket with white stripes on the shoulders. The adidas logo is on the right front of the jacket, while a stylized letter "B" for Brébeuf is on the left.
Aven Jairho Allana and the Jeux de Montréal. Video available with transcription and subtitles.