The Halifax 2011 Canada Games torch made its debut at the official torch lighting ceremony on the first of May 3 in Ottawa.

The 2011 torch was lit from the centennial flame monument. The event included performances by Jimmy Rankin and members of Halifax’s Sacred Heart Concert Choir.

Minister of NationalDefence Peter MacKay, director of sport, Nova Scotia Health Promotion and Protection Stephen Gallant and Mayor of the Halifax Regional Municipality Peter Kelly, joined in the lighting of the torch along with four-time Olympic medalist and Canada Games alumna Jennifer Botterill and three-time Olympic medalist Isabelle Charest, who emceed the ceremony.

"As we saw this past year in Vancouver, the torch relay represents Canadian pride, physical and mental strength, striving for excellence and inspirational dreams," said Sue Hylland, president and CEO for the Canada Games Council. "As the flame makes its way across Nova Scotia, it is our hope that every resident of that province is touched by its significance and their role in welcoming the country to compete."

The official lighting marked the beginning of the Games torch program. The torch returned to Nova Scotia for community kick-off celebrations in Lunenburg on May 10, Yarmouth on May 12, Cheticamp on May 13 and Amherst on May 14.

The 2011 torch will appear at festivals and events around Nova Scotia leading up to the Games. Details on the torch program, the torch design, and the torchbearer contest are available online. Fans of the 2011 torch can follow its path on Facebook, or via Twitter by using #torchflambeau.