Be a torch relay champ for Parapan Am Games

By Gerald V. Paul

Paralympic champion Chelsey Gotell joins 2015 Pan Am / Parapan Am Games CEO Saad Rafi Tuesday at the kickoff to the Parapan Am Games torch relay contest. GerardPhoto Photo.
Paralympic champion Chelsey Gotell joins 2015 Pan Am / Parapan Am Games CEO Saad Rafi Tuesday at the kickoff to the Parapan Am Games torch relay contest. GerardPhoto Photo.

Noting he is “happy with the contribution of the Caribbean community”, 2015 Pan Am / Parapan Am Games CEO Saad Rafi issued a call Tuesday for volunteers to participate in the torch relays for both aspects of the Games.

“Applications are now being accepted to be a torchbearer for the Pan Am and Parapan Am Games,” Rafi said at a CN Tower media event.

“Twenty-two of the 41 countries (in the Games) are from the Caribbean and we are working with a fabulous team. This is an invitation to participate in the largest Pan Am Games Relay ever held, leading into the largest-ever Parapan Am Games.”

Anyone aged 13 and up by Aug. 3 can enter to be a torchbearer. All they need is a sense of pride, an abundance of community spirit and an ability to inspire Toronto with their joy, Rafi said.

Along with the public application process, which closes on April 19, at 11:59 p.m., torchbearers will also be chosen by torch relay route communities and from other Games stakeholders.

Premier Kathleen Wynne commented “Our torch relay is especially momentous because for the first time ever there are two torches – an east flame and a west flame that will simultaneously travel towards Toronto and will become one flame.”

Wynne added, “The question now that has to be on all of our lips as we go forward is: “Have you bought your tickets?”

Also on hand to help kick off the Parapan Am Games torchbearer contest was paralympic champion Chelsey Gotell. Rick Hanson was to attend but had to deal with a personal matter.

Gotell told The Camera that a friend in fourth grade convinced her to try out for competitive swimming and she never looked back. She was given the honour of being one of the first torchbearers in the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Torch Relay.

“It’s an amazing feeling to be a torchbearer and feel the sense of pride as you carry the flame towards the opening ceremony. There is a feeling of community, a chance to celebrate and share together.”

The flame is a symbol of unity, hope and promise that will light the way to the opening ceremony of the Parapan Am Games on Aug. 7. The torch is a unique symbol of the Games, carrying a powerful energy that will unite Canadians, the event heard.

Each torchbearer must be a Canadian citizen and at least 13 years old (as of Aug. 3). For a complete list of criteria, visit TORONTO 2015.org/torch-relay.

Meanwhile, the City of Toronto is hosting information sessions so residents and local businesses can learn how their communities may be affected by the Pam An and Parapan Am Games. The Scarborough meeting Tuesday examined the impact on U of T Scarborough campus, venue for numerous competitions.

Gerald V. Paul
Gerald V. Paul