Pan Am Torch Relay sparks excitement in Ottawa

The 2015 Pan Am Games Torch Relay arrived in Ottawa with great fanfare today as the flame made its way through the streets of our city, making a quick stop at the Ottawa Sports Hall of Fame ahead of the community celebration on Sparks Street.

The torch relay was enthusiastically received at Ottawa City Hall this afternoon complete with an Honour Guard, dignitaries, City councillors and staff, and young sports enthusiasts from the City’s day camps.

Mayor Jim Watson, Councillor Jody Mitic, Ottawa Sports Commissioner, and Dave Best, Chair of the Ottawa Sports Hall of Fame, officially welcomed members of the Pan Am Torch Relay including Hervé Lord, Ottawa’s torch bearer and high-performance wheelchair athlete, to the Ottawa Sports Hall of Fame.

“It is a pleasure to welcome the Pan Am Torch Relay to Ottawa and to share in the excitement that unites us throughout North America in the spirit of the Games,” said Mayor Jim Watson.

“Having the Pan Am torch here at the Ottawa Sports Hall of Fame is a great way for the City of Ottawa to pay tribute to the amazing athletes who will be participating in the various sports at the 2015 Pan Am Games,” said Councillor Mitic.

“The Pan Am torch represents the spirit of the games, and what better place to be showcased in our city than at the Hall that celebrates Ottawa’s sporting heritage,” commented Dave Best. “Bravo to all the torch runners, athletes and officials.”

Following the visit to Ottawa City Hall, the Pan Am Torch Relay continued down Elgin Street to Sparks Street for a community celebration and entertainment.

Residents will have another opportunity to see the Pan Am Torch on July 1 at three Canada Day events in the city. The torch will make an appearance on Parliament Hill during the noon-hour show, and will be part of community festivities in Kanata and Barrhaven.

The torch relay will depart Ottawa on July 2 with a community send-off beginning at the Shenkman Arts Centre in Orléans. The relay will continue on to its next destination to the town of Smiths Falls, and will make its final stop on July 10 at the opening ceremony of the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am Games.

For more information about the relay and the route it will travel, visit the Pan Am Games Torch Relay website.