‘Kind and caring’ is how locals have described the communities of southwest Queensland as the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018) Queen’s Baton Relay (QBR) has made its way through Mitchell and Morven.
Usually drought-stricken but currently flush with rain, the southwest Queensland region regards itself as a place where people come together when times are tough. Today though was a chance to come together in celebration, especially in support of the youngsters who stepped out with the Queen’s Baton with pride.
In Mitchell, Daniel Gunnulson, 2017 Wandoan and District Young Citizen of the Year, said he handed it to his mum for always nominating him for activities in the community that recognise him as an aspiring young man.
"I’m very excited and at the same time a little bit nervous of course. It took me till about yesterday to realise how special and important this…it’s so special, [the Relay] has travelled so far and especially this year with the Commonwealth Games, it’s a very special year, a lot of firsts for it, so I’m just feeling glad to be a part of it.
"I’ve got to thank my mum for nominating me."
A further 90km west in Morven it was young Matty Ahern’s turn to carry the Queen’s Baton.
The last of four batonbearers in the small country town, the 11-year-old wasn’t alone as 20 other students at Morven State School joined him to carry the Queen’s Baton into the school grounds.
"Running with the Queen’s Baton was really fun. I’m in grade five and it was good to have my whole school run with me. Thanks guys!".
The school, which opened in 1887, hosted a community celebration, giving the entire town an opportunity to be part of the Queen’s Baton Relay.
The Queen’s Baton Relay will be in Charleville this afternoon. Tomorrow, it continues in Augathella, Tambo and Blackall.
QBR URL: gc2018.com/qbr
QBR Hashtag: #QBR2018
Keri Algar – [email protected] / +61 466 381 305
Media Team, Queen’s Baton Relay
Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC)
Trish Quayle – [email protected] / +61 475 126 180
Communications and Marketing Manager, Queen’s Baton Relay
Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC)
The Queen’s Baton Relay is counting down the days until the start of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018).
In Australia, the Queen’s Baton will traverse 40,000km, travelling through every state and territory for 100 days.
The Queen’s Baton will be carried by more than 1,800 batonbearers in Queensland.
Approximately 3,800 batonbearers will carry the Queen’s Baton across Australia.
The Queen’s Baton Relay started on Commonwealth Day, Monday 13 March 2017, at Buckingham Palace when Her Majesty placed Her message inside of the Baton.
The Queen’s Baton has already been passed between thousands of people for 288 days across Africa, the Caribbean, the Americas, Europe, Asia and Oceania, building excitement for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018).
The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018) Queen’s Baton Relay is the longest and most accessible in history, travelling through the entire Commonwealth for 388 days and 230,000km.
The distinctive design of the Queen’s Baton captures the boundless energy of the Gold Coast. In form and inspiration, the Queen’s Baton is a symbol of our past, present and future.
The Queen’s Baton arrives on the Gold Coast for the XXI Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony on 4 April 2018, where HRH
The Prince of Wales will remove Her Majesty’s message from the Baton and read it aloud to declare the Games open. ---
/Public Release. This material from the originating organization/author(s) may be of a point-in-time nature, edited for clarity, style and length. The views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s).
