Protestors Dispute Bollywood Star Akshay Kumar Torch Relay in Toronto.
One of Bollywood biggest stars Akshay Kumar carried the Olympic torch as it made its way through Toronto on Thursday.
Kumar ran with the Olympic torch on the Toronto landmark Yonge Street in bone-chilling weather. Even the minus eight-degree temperature failed to deter people as thousands lined up both sides of the street to have a glimpse of the star.
However, Kumar could not finish his 300-metre run as protesters blocked the street to highlight the treatment of Native Indians by the Canadian government.
Hundreds of policemen intervened to remove the agitators who kept shouting slogans against the holding of the Olympics on lands taken away from the original natives of Canada.
Kumar is an international torchbearer with the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay. He took up the flame on Yonge St. between Gloucester St. and Breadalbane St. at approximately 6:10 p.m.
"I am honoured and privileged to have been selected as an official torchbearer for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay," Kumar said. "Running with the Olympic Flame in Toronto gives me an exceptional opportunity to represent India and all of my fans. The flame is a symbol of freedom, peace and global friendship, and I would like to thank Canada for this honour and recognition."
Thanking Canada for inviting him to run with the Olympic torch, he said, "It is a dream come true.
"I am honoured and privileged to have been selected as an official torchbearer for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic torch relay. I would like to thank Canadians for this honour and recognition,'' he said.
Kumar calls Canada his home away from home, and supports numerous Canadian charities, including the Trillium Health Centre in Toronto.
"Bollywood Action Actor Akshay Kumar is a global star, a citizen of the world and a friend to Canada. Akshay's fans will join him in person or virtually as he runs along the world's longest street - Yonge St. His presence and exuberance will inspire the Olympic spirit in all of us and draw the world's attention to this magical moment in Toronto," says Michele McKenzie, president and CEO of the Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC).
Source - http://www.thelinkpaper.ca/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1261180845&archive=&start_from=&ucat=1
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