(ATR) Clouds gathered overhead in Toronto as the Pan American Games torch relay began its 41-day journey Saturday.
The rain began to fall as the flame was flown by seaplane to Toronto’s waterfront. The showers made spectators search for cover under buildings and umbrellas.
Due to the rain, the celebration following the arrival of the torch was relocated to Queen’s Quay Terminal, a shopping center. After the ceremony was completed, the torch relay began throughout the streets of downtown Toronto, visiting the Athlete’s Village along the way.
Olympic gold medalist Rosie MacLennan kicked of the torch relay and was followed by 19 other bearers before finishing with the lighting of a ceremonial cauldron in Toronto’s Distillery District.
Spectators outlasted the persistent rain during a performance from Jasmine Denham and the Gypsy Kumbia Orchestra after the lighting ceremony.
The torch is now on its 41-day journey throughout Canada. It will travel throughout Ontario for the remainder of the week, beginning in Sault Ste. Marie on Monday and arriving in Ajax on Saturday. The flame will travel to Halifax, Nova Scotia on Sunday.
Written by Kevin Nutley
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