Hamilton

Ready to carry the Pan Am Games torch in Hamilton? Here’s how

If you really want to be part of the Pan Am Games on Hamilton soil, but your soccer game isn’t strong enough to crack the Canadian roster, you can still play a role in the festivities by being a torchbearer.

Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield is an honourary torchbearer

Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield will carry the Pan Am Games torch next summer, and as part of a new contest you could, too. (Hannah Yoon/Canadian Press)

If you really want to be part of the Pan Am Games on Hamilton soil, but your soccer game isn’t strong enough to crack the Canadian roster, you can still play a role in the festivities by being a torchbearer.

Pan Am Games organizers announced plans Wednesday for the 41-day torch relay that will lead up to the start of the TO2015 competition, including a contest where you can enter to be a torchbearer.

There are some rules — you have to be 13 or older by May 30 of next year, you must be a Canadian citizen or resident and you must be able to run or wheel yourself for 200 metres (the distance you’ll carry the torch).

All you have to do is enter online.

Tourism Hamilton officials said the torch is set to be in Hamilton on Sunday, June 21.

In addition to contest winners, there will be a number of honourary torchbearers — including Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield — as well as torchbearers selected by the companies that are sponsoring the Games.

TO2015 tickets, including the men’s and women’s soccer games which will be played at Hamilton’s new stadium, are on sale now.

The games are less than a year away. If you're not excited already, here's a look at a new promotional video for the games.