Torchbearers wanted for 2017 Canada Summer Games in Winnipeg

Winnipeg's Canada Summer Games host committee is looking for people to run into history.

Torchbearers are needed to run the relay route for the Games, which are happening in Winnipeg for the first time, from July 28-Aug. 13.

The eventalso holds special significance as it coincides with Canada's 150th birthday celebrations and marks the 50th anniversary of the Games.

The first Canada Summer Games were held in 1967 inQuebec City as part of Canada's centennial celebrations.

"Manitobans have several opportunities to be a part of the 2017 Canada Summer Games as athletes, spectators, performers and volunteers. The torch relay provides another exciting chance for people living in communities around the province to get involved," said Rochelle Squires, Manitoba's minister of sport, culture and heritage.

"The Games and celebrations surrounding them will create lifelong memories, not only for people in the host city of Winnipeg but for those all along the relay route."

The run begins in Steinbach on June 23 and after snaking its way through the province and into Ontario, arrives in downtown Winnipeg on July 26.

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The torch will journey more than 3,500 kmduring the course of the relay, through Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario. Ten to 20 torchbearers in each rural community and 50 torchbearers in Winnipeg will each run 200-metre segments.

"When the torch arrives in Winnipeg, we will be two days out from the start of the Games, and it's a great way to ramp up excitement and welcome the athletes, coachesand visitors from all over the country to our great city," Mayor Brian Bowman said.

Each community can nominate torchbearers for their event by completing the nomination form.

"The route was chosen to reflect the diversity of the province and to include as many Manitobans as possible to participate in this national event and make it a great success," saidManitoba Hydro CEO Kelvin Shepherd.

Featuring 16 sports and more than 250events, the 2017 Canada Games will welcome over 4,000 athletes and coaches and more than 20,000 visitors. It is this country'slargest multi-sport event for young athletes.

Here's the schedule for the torch relay:

• Steinbach June 23.
• Kenora June 24.
• Morden June 29.
• Gillam, Fox Lake Cree Nation July 1.
• Thompson July 6.
• The Pas, Opaskawayak Cree Nation July 10.
• Dauphin July 11.
• Gimli July 15.
• Brandon July 20.
• Sagkeeng First Nation, Great Falls date TBD.
• Winnipeg July 26.