- Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games kicks off the search to find the 2,022 Batonbearers who will carry Queen’s Baton around England
- Four-time Paralympic champion and first Batonbearer, Kadeena Cox, encourages nation to ‘Take It On’ and share inspiring stories for once-in-a-lifetime opportunity
- People can nominate a Batonbearer in England at birmingham2022.com/qbr
The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games has today launched a search to find 2,022 Batonbearers for the Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay in England.
The Queen’s Baton Relay is a Games tradition that builds anticipation for the forthcoming Games by celebrating, connecting and exciting communities across the Commonwealth, shining a light on untold stories and unsung local heroes from the places it visits.
Batonbearers will play a major role in the Queen’s Baton Relay when it returns to England this summer, taking on the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to carry the Queen’s Baton in their region during the final build up to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
People are encouraged to nominate those who are always willing to take on a challenge, have a unique and inspiring story, are a figure of inspiration who positively challenges others to achieve their best, or is passionate about making a positive impact within their community.
Nominations can be made by visiting the Birmingham 2022 website and submitting 100 words or less on how the nominee is making a difference in their community and why they deserve to take on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Nominations are open for all nine regions of England and Batonbearers must be aged 12 or over as of the 2 June 2022.
Deputy Leader of Solihull Council Cllr Karen Grinsell said: “In a little more than six months, Solihull will be hosting top athletes from around the world in six events at the NEC – Table Tennis and Netball, Badminton and Boxing, Weightlifting and Para Powerlifting.
“The Queen’s Baton Relay sets the scene for the Commonwealth Games and is a fantastic way to honour and involve local people who make an impact in our communities. I’d really urge local residents to get behind the Batonbearer nominations. Please don’t be shy! If you know someone who is an inspiration – please take the trouble to say why they should be a Batonbearer in 100 words!
“Let’s show the world what Solihull has to offer through the Games, give a Silhillian welcome to our sportsmen and women, spectators and tourists AND highlight some of the amazing people that we’re lucky to have in the borough.”
To mark the launch of the Batonbearer nominations, a commemorative mural has been officially unveiled by Kadeena Cox. The four-time Paralympic champion had the honour of being the first Batonbearer to receive the Baton from The Queen at the launch of the Queen’s Baton Relay at Buckingham Palace in October last year. This unique artwork has been designed and created by one of the UK’s most prolific street artists: Gent 48, aka Josh Billingham.
Located in the heart of Birmingham on Navigation Street, near the city’s bustling New Street train station, the vibrant mural celebrates the journey of the Queen’s Baton Relay and features illustrations and symbols of inspiring community figures, which represent the 2,022 Batonbearers currently being sought.
After the Baton has taken on its epic journey across the Commonwealth, where it will have visited Europe, Africa, Oceania, the Caribbean, and the Americas, it will return to England for the final countdown to the Commonwealth Games. The Queen’s Baton will travel the length and breadth of the country for 25 days, before the Relay officially ends at the Opening Ceremony of the Commonwealth Games on 28 July 2022.
Kadeena Cox said: “I was incredibly proud to be the first Batonbearer at the launch of the Queen’s Baton Relay last year, and it’s now a real privilege to be in Birmingham to help launch the search to find even more Batonbearers across the country. The commemorative mural is amazing and perfectly captures the spirit of the Games – it’s been fantastic seeing the public’s reaction today.
“The Queen’s Baton Relay is a wonderful chance for people to get involved and nominate someone inspiring they know for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
Lisa Hampton, Head of the Queen’s Baton Relay, said: “Since launching the Queen’s Baton Relay just three months ago, it's been amazing to see so many incredible people from all over the Commonwealth take on the role of Batonbearer, as the international journey has been progressing. As the Relay continues, the anticipation for the Baton to return home is building immensely. I am delighted that we are now underway with finding the amazing people who will have the honour of carrying the Baton and representing England this summer. I’m eager to see the inspiring people we find and to hear their remarkable stories.”
Nominations for Batonbearers for the Queen’s Baton Relay in England are now open. To nominate and find out more, visit https://www.birmingham2022.com/queens-baton-relay/batonbearer-nominations/