Torch Relay Starts in Toronto Heading to Thunder Bay

THUNDER BAY – On Saturday, May 30, Porter Airlines will transport the Pan Am flame from Toronto to Thunder Bay, on the first of four special charters for the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am Games Torch Relay. Porter Airlines is the Official Canadian Airline of the Games and a signature supporter of the TORONTO 2015 Torch Relays.

The bright orange vehicles that will travel with the torch are already in Thunder Bay, and preparations are well underway for Sunday, with the Torch Relay starting on Fort William First Nation at 06:00AM, then a community celebration in Thunder Bay at City Hall at 08:00AM, followed by a stop at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre at 10:00AM.

First steps however are getting the flame to Thunder Bay from Toronto.

The flame will be transported in one of two Bombardier Q400 aircraft, outfitted with a customized Pan Am graphic. The graphic showcases a collection of colourful sport pictograms, representing the Games motto, “United We Play!” Porter will deliver the flame at other key points along the Torch Relay route, including Halifax, Sarnia and Montreal.

“The torch relay connects people across the country and around the world, which is what we do every day,” said Robert Deluce, president and CEO of Porter Airlines. “It is a special opportunity for Porter to help bring the torch and the enthusiasm of the Games to communities across Canada.”

The relay begins on Saturday, May 30, in Toronto, and then flies to Thunder Bay, beginning its 41-day journey across 130 Canadian communities. Its final stop is on July 10, at the Opening Ceremony of the Games.