HALIFAX – The Pan Am Games are slated to begin next month in Toronto and the official torch was in Nova Scotia Sunday for its only stop in the Maritimes — visiting the Canada Games Centre, Citadel Hill and Grand Parade in Halifax.
Day 9 of the Pan Am Torch Relay began early this morning in Peggys Cove, not far from Judy Lugar’s home in St. Margaret’s Bay. She was a world champion sailor in 1986, so it was only fitting for her to carry the torch to the steps in front of the world famous lighthouse.
“It’s really exciting and it’s very much an honour,” said Lugar.
“I think it’s really interesting that here we are carrying a torch at the lighthouse and it sort of lights the way for athletes and starts the flame burning across the country.”
Lugar is a physio-therapist who still keeps active in sailing as a coach for disabled sailors.
“The ability to help people who have had major health issues get back out and enjoy a sport I think is really valuable. It’s very meaningful.”
The torch was transported to the Canada Games Centre, then made its final stop at Parade Square. Kayaker Mark de Jonge, who won a bronze at the 2012 London Olympics, carried the torch onto the stage as hundreds of fans cheered for him.
“It was actually really exciting,” said de Jonge. “I never really realized how good that would feel until I actually did it … I felt a big source of pride, really welling up inside me and it was a great feeling.”
de Jonge won the K-1 200 metre race last year at the world championships in record time and was recently named Nova Scotia’s Male Athlete of the Year. At two previous Pam Am Games, de Jonge won bronze in the K-1 500 metre and silver in the K-4 1000.
“I’m really excited this year to go,” said de Jonge. “Especially in front of a home crowd and have that energy sort of carry me through the finish line, so really excited to race in Toronto.”
de Jonge said competing with fellow Canadians from various sports will add to the excitement.
“A lot of times we go away to countries where we might have a few canadians in the crowd and it’s only our sport, but it’s going to be a really good experience to see athletes from all different backgrounds and sports and also share in that Canadian pride as well.”
de Jonge begins training tomorrow in Quebec City.
The Pan Am Games begin on July 10 in Toronto.
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