Jessica Phoenix and Pavarotti carry the Pan Am Games torch at Will O’Wind Farm. Photo via Phoenix Equestrian on Facebook.
Throughout its 41-day tour of Canada, the Pan American Games torch is moved using more than 60 different modes of transportation, including several trips on horseback. Canadian event riders Selena O’Hanlon and Jessica Phoenix were among the 3,000 torchbearers honored with the task of escorting the flame to Toronto during the traditional torch relay.
On a rainy June 12, Jessica carried the torch with the help of her Canadian Pan Am team horse, Pavarotti. Coincidentally, they carried the torch at Will O’Wind Farm in Mono, Ontario, where they will be jumping the Pan Am cross country course in a few weeks time.
Selena O’Hanlon and Foxwood High. Photo by Jenni Autry.
Selena O’Hanlon, who is an alternate on the Canadian Pan Ams team with Foxwood High, was nominated to carry the torch by her student Kelsey Flewit. She will run (on foot) a short section of road near the University at Kingston.
“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to run with the torch,” Selena said. “I remember my teammate Hawley Bennett telling me about her run with the torch (for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics). Running with it at home will be extra special because all my friends and family can come cheer!”
As is tradition, the torch was lit during an official ceremony in the Games’ previous host country. It then traveled by air from Mexico to Canada before the start of the torch relay on May 30. The Pan Am flame will make its final stop on July 10 at the Opening Ceremony of the Toronto Pan American Games.
You can follow the torch’s progress to Toronto here.
