Toronto celebrated the spirit of the Paralympic Games Friday, as the torch relay made its way through the city.
The run began with a special lighting ceremony at the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto on Spadina Road.
The lighting featured traditional Native dancers and drummers who joined the flame as it traveled to Nathan Phillips Square, making a stop at The Hospital for Sick Children along the way.
The torch arrived at Nathan Phillips Square shortly after noon. 40 people carried the flame, all with their own incredible stories.
“I have an eye disease. I lost my vision when I was 14 years old, I’m 16 now. Before I lost my vision I was really into soccer and dancing. Now I’m a downhill skier and I ski with a guide, and I horseback ride and I teach kids how to rock climb. I’m just like any other 16 year old,” said Molly Burke, 16.
Jody Mitic, an Afghanistan veteran lost both his feet after stepping on a landmine in the war. “I’m new to this world, only three years as an amputee but since I lost my feet I’ve been trying to stay active and get into sports,” he said.
CityNews reporter Tara Weber also had the honour of carrying the Paralympic torch through Nathan Phillips Square. And for her, it truly was an honour.
“I just think it’s such a proud moment to be a representative of Canada, it’s really overwhelming,” she said.
The competition kicks off when the Paralympic Games begin March 12 in Vancouver.