TORONTO 2015 Pan Am Games Torch Relay Celebration Announced for Oshawa

Residents are invited to come Celebrate and Share the Pan Am spirit first hand.
February 26, 2015 – The TORONTO 2015 Pan Am Games Torch Relay, presented by President’s Choice® and OLG, is coming to Oshawa on June 5, 2015.

Residents can now learn about the torch relay celebrations taking place in Oshawa and mark that special date in their calendar.  We’re inviting the community to celebrate the Pan Am flame when it visits the Civic Recreation Complex and City Hall here in Oshawa.

“Oshawa is excited to host the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am Games Torch Relay.  We look forward to sharing the Pan Am spirit and showcasing our great community,” said Mayor John Henry.  “Welcoming the Pan Am flame to Oshawa is a special opportunity to show our community pride!”

A detailed map is now available online highlighting Oshawa, with the date and location for the community celebrations. The torch relay begins its 41-day journey when the Pan Am flame is lit during a traditional Aztec lighting ceremony at the Pyramid of the Sun in Teotihuacan, Mexico before landing in Canada on May 30, 2015.  From Toronto, the flame heads to Thunder Bay on May 31st where it will visit the Terry Fox Monument before arriving in Nipigon, the most northern town on the Ontario leg of the journey. The smallest towns through which the torch will pass are Bruce Mines, population 566 and White River, population 607.

 

“The Games are all about bringing people together, and the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am Games Torch Relay will unite Ontarians, Canadians and communities. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for people to experience the emotion, excitement and significance of the Pan Am flame,” said Saäd Rafi, chief executive officer of the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games Organizing Committee (TO2015).

Three-thousand torchbearers will carry the flame through communities across Ontario as well as Richmond, Calgary, Winnipeg, Montreal and Halifax.  The torch will see more than 60 modes of transportation while touring through Canada exceeding 5,000kms on the road and 15,000kms by air. The torch relay will finish in Toronto on July 10, 2015 to light the cauldron at the Opening Ceremony, which signifies the start of the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am Games.

As it makes its way to the Opening Ceremony of the Pan Am Games, the torch will visit six Canadian Forces Bases, a national and provincial park as well as five First Nations communities including the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nations, the official Host First Nations of the Games. The Pan Am torch will also visit five national historic sites including Fort Henry in Kingston and the Halifax Citadel.

On July first, the torch will take part in Canada Day festivities on Parliament Hill in our nation’s capital, Ottawa – a chance to celebrate and share the Pan Am spirit during Canada’s biggest birthday party. 

TO2015 is proud to bring the relay to Canadian communities with the help of presenting partners President’s Choice® and OLG, community partner CIBC and signature supporters Ontario Trillium Foundation, Porter Airlines and Star Media Group and Metroland Media to ensure it is a memorable experience for everyone involved.

Specific timing for Oshawa celebrations will be confirmed beginning in May. Street-level route will also be confirmed in May.

In addition, a separate TORONTO 2015 Parapan Am Torch Relay will take place prior to the start of the Games on August 7, 2015. Details on the route and torchbearer application process will be released in April 2015.

Isabelle Foley

Isabelle Foley

As Director of Member Success I strive to help members connect and get the most out of their chamber membership. I am an advocate for local businesses and passionate about spotlighting our community's success. Join the growth!

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