Hamilton steel to be used in Pan Am cauldron

The flaming symbol for the Pan Am games — the iconic cauldron — will be made from Hamilton steel.

ArcelorMittal Dofasco has announced it will provide the 10 types of steel that will form the 14 tonne cauldron. The fire will be lit for the first time on July 10th to officially open the games; a second cauldron will be made for the city of Hamilton as a legacy.

It’s not the first time the steelmaker has been called on for major sporting events. They have produced steel for the 2012 London Olympics orbit sculpture and for FIFA venues in the most recent world cup in Brazil.

Saad Rafi, CEO of the 2015 Pan Am organizing committee says “it signifies, one, the opening of a multi-sport games but more importantly than just the opening it is the light, is a flame, that really is a beacon for all that is about a multisport games, because it isn’t just sport, it isn’t just athletics, that’s a key component, it’s what we are as a region. This cauldron will reflect the region, our diversity, our inclusion.”

ArcelorMittal Dofasco president & CEO took pride in the announcement. “Using our steel that our employees have created here in Hamilton, to have it fabricated into two cauldrons, one in Toronto and one here in Hamilton and it’s a real testament to our employees’ efforts here. Steel is the foundation of this company.”

Hamilton mayor Bob Bratina was on hand for the announcement, as well as Hamilton-born Olympic runner Reid Coolsaet. Hamilton will host all of the soccer games at Tim Horton’s Field during the Pan Am games, considered one of the premier events.

Over 7,000 athletes and coaches from 41 countries will compete in the games. More than 250 thousand visitors are expected at venues across Southern Ontario.