Pan Am Games torch relay will last 41 days and visit over 130 communities

TORONTO — The Toronto Pan Am Games torch relay will begin May 31 and visit over 130 communities before making a final stop July 10 at the opening ceremony.

Organizers unveiled details today at a news conference at the Ontario Science Centre.

The flame will be lit in May in a traditional ceremony in Teotihuacan, Mexico, before it travels to Canada.

About 3,000 torchbearers will carry the flame along its 41-day journey before it arrives in downtown Toronto.

The orange and white torch features pictograms of athletes in action, stands 65 centimetres high and weighs just over a kilogram.

Specifics on the relay route will be released at a later date.

Over 60 alternative modes of transportation will be used, including plane, train and ferry boat.

About 6,600 athletes from 41 countries will compete in 36 sports at the Games, which will be held from July 10 to 26.

Canada plans to field its largest-ever Pan Am Games team of 700 athletes.

The Parapan Ams Games are set for Aug. 7-15.