"The Parapan Am Games Torch Relay is a unique opportunity for Canadians to be a part of something that has never been done before."

Canadian Paralympic swimming champion Chelsey Gotell has launched the Toronto 2015 Parapan American Games torchbearer contest which invites Canadians to be torchbearers in the relay which is presented by President’s Choice® and OLG.

As a first in torch relay history, two separate flames will be lit in special ceremonies on 3 August — one in Ottawa (east flame) and the other in Niagara Falls (west flame). The Parapan Am flames will then travel simultaneously towards Toronto and unite on 6 August before completing the final segment of the journey as one flame.

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 7 August.

A detailed map is now available online highlighting each of the 12 communities, including the date and location for the community celebrations.

"The Parapan Am Games Torch Relay is a unique opportunity for Canadians to be a part of something that has never been done before," said Saäd Rafi, Chief Executive Officer of the Toronto 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games Organising Committee (TO2015). "This is an invitation to participate in the largest Parapan Am Games Torch Relay ever held, leading into the largest-ever Parapan Am Games."

"Anyone aged 13 and up by 3 August 2015, can enter to be a torchbearer. All they need is a sense of pride, an abundance of community spirit and an ability to inspire us with their joy."

Enter to be a torchbearer here.

Along with the public application process, which opened on 7 April and closes 19 April 2015, at 11:59 p.m. (ET), torchbearers will also be chosen by torch relay route communities and other Games stakeholders.

Gotell was announced as the first Parapan Am torchbearer and is encouraging Canadians to join this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

"It’s an amazing feeling to be a torchbearer and feel the sense of pride as you carry the flame towards the Opening Ceremony. The entire nation rallies behind you and there is a feeling of community, a chance to celebrate and share together," said Gotell. "This will be a memorable experience for each and every one of the torchbearers, who are coming together to create history as the largest Parapan Am Games Torch Relay ever held."

TO2015 is proud to bring the relay to Ontario communities with the help of presenting partners President’s Choice and OLG, community partner CIBC and signature supporters Ontario Trillium Foundation, Porter Airlines and Star Media Group and Metroland Media to ensure a memorable experience for everyone.

Each torchbearer must be a Canadian citizen or legal resident of Canada and 13 years of age or older (as of 3 August 2015). For a complete list of criteria, visit TORONTO2015.org/torch-relay.

Specific timing for the 12 community celebrations will be confirmed at the end of July. The street-level route will also be confirmed in July.

Fast facts

- 3-7 August 2015

- 5 days

- 250 torchbearers

- 700+ kilometres on the road

- Multiple celebration communities

- Inspirational journey of two flames uniting in Toronto for the Opening Ceremony