Akshay Kumar, the leading star of the Indian film industry and renowned action hero and fitness fanatic, ran with the Olympic Flame in Toronto last night. Superstar, Akshay, was an international torchbearer with the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay. He took up the torch on Yonge Street, between Gloucester Street and Breadalbane Street, at approximately 6.10pm on Thursday 17th December.

The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC), in collaboration with the Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC), had selected international torchbearers to participate in the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay International Media Program to maximize international awareness of the relay and spread the excitement and Olympic spirit around the world.

The international torchbearers were from CTC’s global markets and included former Olympic athletes as well as internationally recognised entertainers and media celebrities from across the globe. Their journeys through Canada will be broadcast and shared in their home countries for both last night’s Olympic Torch Relay as well as the upcoming 2010 Winter Games, all to inspire the world to travel to Canada.

Akshay Kumar, who calls Canada his home away from home and supports numerous Canadian charities including the Trillium Health Centre in Toronto, comments, "I am honoured and privileged to have been selected as an official torchbearer for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games. The torch represents a symbol of freedom, peace and global friendship, and I would like to thank Canada for this honour and recognition."

Michele McKenzie, President and CEO, Canadian Tourism Commission, comments, “Akshay Kumar is a global star, a citizen of the world, and a friend to Canada. 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.”