Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay visits Buckinghamshire
The Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay visited Buckinghamshire today (6 July) as part of its journey through England this summer.
During its time in the county, the Relay stopped off at Stoke Mandeville Stadium near Aylesbury, where a range of exciting sports activities took place, led by young people from Aylesbury High School and The Grange School.
Participating in the inspiring activities were children from:
- Ashmead Combined School
- Oak Green School
- Pebble Brook School
Three official Batonbearers, Will Perry (Paralympian), Lesley Bryant (former Commonwealth Games athlete) and Felicity Amswych (local resident), carried the Baton around the stadium track backed by enthusiastic support from the schoolchildren.
The Queen’s Baton Relay is travelling the length and breadth of England for a total of 29 days, with its journey culminating at the Opening Ceremony for Birmingham 2022 on 28 July.
Clive Harriss, Cabinet Member for Culture & Leisure, said:
“It was wonderful to welcome and host the Queen’s Baton Relay to Buckinghamshire. Our community came to show their support for the Batonbearers, while experiencing the excitement and buzz that comes with the arrival of the Relay.
“As a county, we have a rich history of inclusive sports, and it was an honour to host the Queen’s Baton Relay as it continues its journey across the country – which feels even more momentous in this Platinum Jubilee year. This was an amazing experience to inspire our young residents and an event I’m sure they will remember for years to come.
“Thank you to all our partners who helped organise today’s event, including Birmingham 2022, WheelPower, Leap and the National Paralympic Heritage Trust.”
Batonbearer Lesley Bryant, a former discus athlete who competed for England in the Commonwealth Games, commented:
“I feel very privileged to have been invited as one of the Batonbearers for the Relay, as it continues its incredible journey through the Commonwealth countries.
“The Commonwealth Games are very special to me, since competing in 1978 and 1982 and returning as Athletics Team Manager in 1998. It was an honour to carry the Queen’s Baton and I feel humbled to be nominated by the athletes I work with at Oxford University.
“Thank you to the organisers for creating such a fantastic day that will create wonderful memories for all involved.
“Good luck to all our Team England competitors for a successful Games.”
The Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay began at Buckingham Palace on 7 October 2021, when The Queen placed Her Message to the Commonwealth into the Baton and passed it to four-time Paralympic gold medallist Kadeena Cox, who had the honour of being the first of thousands of Batonbearers to carry the Baton.
Since then, the Baton has visited Commonwealth nations and territories in Europe, Africa, Oceania, the Caribbean, and the Americas, before returning to England in summer 2022 for the final countdown to the Commonwealth Games.
For more information on the Queen’s Baton Relay, please visit: www.birmingham2022.com/qbr
