Trish Stratus named Pan Am torchbearer
There are several honors that Trish Stratus has received over the years, from being named to the WWE Hall of Fame to receiving business awards in Toronto; but none may be as personal as one announced earlier today.
Trish has been named one of the torchbearers for the relay that will lead to the Pan American Games, taking place later this summer in Toronto. As the torch relay passes through Richmond Hill, a town 30 minutes north of Toronto, Trish will be taking a turn as torchbearer on Thursday, June 25, representing the community she grew up in.
"I did all of my growing up in Richmond Hill!" Trish reflects. "I finished up elementary school and middle school, finished high school and did most of my University years while living with my family in the community. It is also were I fell in love with soccer and found the competitive athlete in me after joining my first soccer team. I eventually went on to play right up until University. And, I took that competitive edge I gained right into the ring at WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment)."
The third largest international multi-sport gathering in the world, the Pan Am Games have been held since 1951 and take place every four years. 41 nations send representatives to the Pan Am and Parapan Am Games. Competitions span 36 sports and 15 Parapan Am sports for both men and women. This is the first time the Games are being held in Toronto and only the third time they will be held in Canada.
The Pan Am Games will run July 10 to 26, followed by the Parapan Am Games August 7 to 15.
Being named as a torchbearer was a meaningful recognition for Trish, who still resides in the Greater Toronto Area today.
"First, it's an honor to be carrying the Pan Am flame period," she says. "The Pan Am Games carry such a deep spirit and rich tradition, and it's so humbling to be chosen to stand among fellow Canadians and be a bearer of the inextinguishable flame.
"Then, to do this in Richmond Hill where I spent so many formative years, dedicating myself to athletic pursuits makes it even more special. This community has given so much to me, and to be able to stand tall today as a representative of Richmond Hill is nothing but a blessing. I look forward to doing my community proud!"
In total, the relay will pass through over 130 communities over 41 days. For full information, visit www.toronto2015.org/torch-relay
TrishStratus.com will have further details on the Pan Am Games Torch Relay as June 25th approaches, but be sure to book the day off to come out and cheer her and the other honored torchbearers on as part of the 200-metre segment each will take part in.
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