As Official Overlay Supporter of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, GL events UK is excited to share that valued members of its extended family were honoured to be Batonbearers in the Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay. Each Batonbearer has completed a leg of the Relay ahead of Birmingham 2022. Read on to find out how they enjoyed the experience!
Former Corporal in the UK Military, ex GB para-powerlifter, Mental Health Ambassador and CrossFit Adaptive Athlete, Ross Austen, completed his leg of the Queen’s Baton Relay in Exeter on Monday 4th July. Ross commented, “My wife and family are from Birmingham, so I have that special connection to the area and I have ex-GB team mates who will be competing at the Games, so I will definitely have a vested interest in supporting them. Being able to carry the Queen’s Baton truly shows that you can accomplish anything.”
Benefits Assessor at York City Council and Baden-Powell Scouts’ Association Leader, Jason Jameson, completed his leg of the Queen’s Baton Relay in Darlington on Thursday 14th July. Jason commented,” Carrying the Queen’s Baton was super exciting and I loved every minute! Birmingham 2022 and the Queen’s Baton Relay will bring people together as we celebrate that everyone is part of one nation.”
Head of Operational Projects at Canal & River Trust, Ian Lane, completed his leg of the Queen’s Baton Relay in Nuneaton on Thursday 21st July. Ian commented, “I still can’t quite believe that I was selected as a Batonbearer for the Queen’s Baton Relay! My leg was in Nuneaton, and only a stone’s throw away from the canal, which was great! It was a fantastic day, and I am proud and privileged to have been part of such a great event that has generated so much excitement after a tough couple of years. The whole Games movement has really brought people together and triggered collaboration and the Queen’s Baton Relay in particular has enabled people to share and raise the profile of the great work they do so many more can benefit from it, hopefully leading to a positive legacy long after the Games has gone. I would love to thank those that nominated me – this is something that I won’t forget!”
Heritage Advisor at Canal & River Trust, Elizabeth Thomson, completed her leg of the Queen’s Baton Relay in Smethwick, Birmingham on Monday 25th July. Lizey commented “I’ve had a big connection with sport my whole life. I regularly jog and cycle and actively encourage my kids to be active as well, so being a part of the Queen’s Baton Relay was important to me.”
Apprentice at The ReUsers and GB Skiing Team member, Anthony Hibbard, completed his leg of the Queen’s Baton Relay in Timberley Lane, Birmingham on Tuesday 26th July. Anthony commented, “I think carrying the Queen’s Baton made me feel really proud as I was able to represent the autism Commonwealth community and the disabled community. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity to be involved.”
Chairperson of the Disability Resource Centre and former GB Wheelchair Sports champion, Tim Phillips, completed his leg of the Queen’s Baton Relay in Castle Bromwich, Birmingham on Tuesday 26th July. Tim commented, “If anyone had told my parents and me when I acquired my disability at 17 years of age, that at some point in the future, I would be involved in this once in a lifetime opportunity with the Commonwealth Games in my hometown, we would not have believed them! This has been a great experience for me personally, and for Birmingham and the West Midlands.”
Volunteer at ChangeKitchen, Touran Saheghi, completed her leg of the Queen’s Baton Relay in Smethwick, Birmingham on Wednesday 27th July. Touran commented, “I am proud to be involved as a Batonbearer in the Queen’s Baton Relay. It is an event to bring people together when that hasn’t been possible for such a long time due to the pandemic. I am honoured to have carried the Queen’s Baton and this is something that I will remember for a very long time!”
Apprentice at Jericho‘s Miracle Laundry and passionate advocate for improving the UK’s care system, Eathan Robinson, completed his leg of the Queen’s Baton Relay in Westbourne Road, Birmingham on Wednesday 27th July. Eathan commented, “When I heard about being a Batonbearer I was happy as I do have a connection with sport, and I’m always up for trying things. I think the Queen’s Baton Relay has been an interesting opportunity and of course, an enjoyable experience!”
Former British Para Snowsport Skier, Molly Griffith, completed their leg of the Queen’s Baton Relay in Birmingham on Wednesday 27th July. Molly commented, “This is a unique opportunity to watch the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games unfold in the city where I grew up. To have the opportunity to become a Batonbearer for the Queen’s Baton Relay is an incredible accomplishment. It is wonderful to see how the Games can truly benefit people.”
Find out more about all of GL events UK’s nominated Batonbearers here.
