Athens Olympic torch relay in Montreal

The Olympic flame arrived in Montreal, Canada's second largest city of Montreal from New York on Sunday.

A 747 aircraft from New York, carrying the flame,landed at Pierre Trudeau Airport in Montreal, and from there, 120 runners took turns carrying it along a 60-kilometre course lined with flag-waving, cheering crowds.

The torch is in the midst of a five-continent tour leading up to the opening of the Summer Olympics in Athens in August. The Montreal leg of the run began at Olympic Stadium and made its way through the city.

Athens Olympic torch relay in Montreal

"It is a historic moment, the Olympic flame will unite Canada's provinces with fraternity and democracy, and shows international goodwill," " said Montreal Mayor Gerald Tremblay.

Montreal is the only Canadian city to hold a torch relay for the August 13-29 Athens Games. It is the 15th city on the tour, which began on March 25 when the torch was lit at the temple of Hera in Olympia.

The flame will arrive in Antwerp, Belgium, on Monday to begin the tour's European leg.

Source: Xinhua