David Arsenault

Founder & Executive Director, Champions for Life Foundation

David Arsenault is a former international Taekwondo athlete turned social entrepreneur, best known as the Founder and Executive Director of the Champions for Life Foundation, a Canadian charity dedicated to empowering children with physical literacy skills for lifelong health and activity. With over 40 years in physical activity, athletics, and coaching, David has transformed his personal passion for movement into a mission-driven organization that has impacted over 233,000 children across 993 school communities since 2016.[Champions for Life](https://www.championsforlife.ca/) Born and raised in Montreal, Quebec, David grew up in an active family with two older brothers who became high-level hockey players. He started Taekwondo at age 14, training under masters like Bernard Provost and Chong Soo Lee. By the height of his career around 2000-2001, he represented Canada at the Pan American Championships in Aruba and the World Cup in Vietnam, alongside strong showings at the U.S. Open.[Taekwondo Data](https://www.taekwondodata.com/david-arsenault.a6si.html) In 1991, he founded Interclub Taekwondo in Pointe-Claire, Quebec, where he serves as Master Instructor (6th Dan), graduating over 50 black belts and fostering a safe environment for the art.[Interclub Taekwondo](https://www.interclubtaekwondo.ca/instructors) David's pivot to social impact came after personal tragedy: the 2006 loss of his brother Marc to cancer. To honor Marc, he launched Athletic Community Centres (ACC) in 2011, a non-profit promoting physical literacy. This evolved into the Champions for Life Physical Literacy Program in 2013, piloted in five Quebec schools and incorporated as a foundation in 2014. Achieving charitable status in 2016, it scaled rapidly with partners like the Montreal Canadiens Children’s Foundation (supporting 2016-2025) and Power Corporation of Canada.[Our Story](https://www.championsforlife.ca/about/our-story) The program teaches fundamental movement skills to ages 4-12, emphasizing 'move well to be active for life,' particularly in underserved communities. During the pandemic, they developed a Physical Literacy Toolbox LMS and virtual campaigns like Move For A Cause. Recognized with the 2023 PHE Canada Impact Award, the foundation now offers resources endorsed by PHE Canada, including the Little Champions pre-K program and Ambassador Network.[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-arsenault-7853641a) As a professional trainer, David has worked with NHL stars like Vincent Lecavalier and Patrice Bergeron. A proud family man in Baie-d’Urfé, Quebec, he offers free consultations across Canada, advocating for quality physical education. His LinkedIn boasts 30,000+ followers, reflecting his influence in physical literacy and youth development.

Key Insights from David Arsenault

With over 34 years of experience in the field of physical activity and athletics, David is also a former International athlete in Taekwondo, a professional trainer and a visionary change-maker.

— David Arsenault on Athletic Credentials

In 2006, our family lost my brother, Marc, to cancer... I started a non-profit organization... to honour Marc.

— David Arsenault on Personal Motivation

233,000 children participants, 993 school communities.

— David Arsenault on Program Scale

We help children acquire the basic fundamental movement skills to have the tools to play and be active throughout their lives.

— David Arsenault on Physical Literacy Mission

Notable Quotes from David Arsenault

"David is dedicated to providing a 'transformation' in the lives of those he helps."

— David Arsenault

"His personal journey is guided by his love for movement and sharing his passion with others."

— David Arsenault

"We help children in the early years of development acquire the basic fundamental movement skills."

— David Arsenault

"I hope to continue to positively affect the lives of children who may not have had the same opportunities."

— David Arsenault

Frequently Asked Questions about David Arsenault

What is physical literacy and why does David Arsenault emphasize it?

Physical literacy refers to the foundational movement skills, confidence, and motivation needed for lifelong physical activity. David stresses it because many children lack these basics, leading to inactivity and health issues. Through Champions for Life, programs teach kids aged 4-12 to 'move well' via fun, inclusive activities, preventing dropout from sports and promoting health. Backed by partnerships and research with experts like Dr. Richard DeMont, it's delivered in schools, especially underserved ones, with tools like lesson plans and a digital toolbox. This approach has reached 233,000 kids, fostering habits for life.[Champions for Life](https://www.championsforlife.ca/about/we-are-physical-literacy-champions) (142 words)

How did David Arsenault's Taekwondo career influence his work?

David's Taekwondo journey—from starting at 14, earning 6th Dan black belt, founding Interclub Taekwondo in 1991, to national championships and international reps (Pan Ams, World Cup)—built discipline, perseverance, and movement expertise. He applied this as a trainer for NHL pros and executives, then channeled it into non-profits. Lessons in balance, body-mind-spirit, and overcoming challenges (10 years to nationals) inform Champions for Life's holistic programs, teaching kids proper movement to avoid injury and build confidence.[Interclub](https://www.interclubtaekwondo.ca/instructors)[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-arsenault-7853641a) (128 words)

What challenges has the Champions for Life Foundation overcome?

From a 2012 pilot in 5 schools honoring David's brother, it grew despite hurdles: incorporating (2014), gaining charity status (2016), pandemic pivots (virtual toolbox, fundraising), and expansion to 90+ schools. Key wins include Montreal Canadiens funding (multi-year), PHE Canada endorsement, and Impact Award. Strategic partners like Power Corp and Quebec grants enabled French BC programs and pre-K pilots.[Our Story](https://www.championsforlife.ca/about/our-story) (112 words)

How can one get involved with Champions for Life or connect with David?

Donate/sponsor via website, volunteer as ambassador, or use resources (manuals, toolbox). Schools access turnkey programs. David offers free 1:1 calls for parents/athletes/leaders in Canada—message via LinkedIn. Follow foundation updates; partner opportunities for expansion. Contact empowers transformation in physical literacy.[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-arsenault-7853641a) (98 words)

David Arsenault — Areas of Expertise

  • Physical Literacy
  • Taekwondo
  • Youth Development
  • Non-Profit Leadership
  • Athletic Training
  • Community Health
  • Guest

David Arsenault — Show Appearances

  • Mornings in the Lab (2023-11-14)

David Arsenault — Signal Brief

Signal Score: 7/100

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