Wagga Wagga Batonbearers prepare to share the dream of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games

The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC) has announced the local batonbearers from Wagga Wagga who will carry the Queen’s Baton during the 100-day countdown to the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018).

Across the community, hundreds of people will get the opportunity to engage with the Baton as it spends quality time in the region when it arrives in Wagga Wagga on 28 January 2018.

“I am immensely proud of our batonbearers and the role they will take when the Queen’s Baton comes to town,” Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Greg Conkey OAM said.

“Many have dedicated their lives to improving the lives of others, some have accomplished great feats and others are working towards realising their dreams. Being a batonbearer recognises all of this, and more. I encourage everyone to support these great people in our community, and to share a memorable moment with the Queen’s Baton yourselves.”

Collectively across the country, batonbearers will take more than a million steps to bring the Baton to its final destination, the Games’ Opening Ceremony on 4 April 2018.

The uniquely designed Baton starts its Australian journey on 25 December 2017, 100 days before the Opening Ceremony. For one month during the school summer holidays, the Queen’s Baton will visit major events, iconic landmarks and children’s hospitals.

From Canberra on 25 January 2018, the Baton will switch gears to a traditional Relay and be carried by great Australians through QBR celebration communities around the country.

Street level and community celebration details will be announced on 17 November.

“We couldn’t be more excited for the batonbearers who will be a part of this rich tradition,” GOLDOC Chairman Peter Beattie AC said.

“We are honoured to have so many great Australians carry Her Majesty’s message for Gold Coast 2018 and we look forward to celebrating their stories and inspiring generations to come.

“For the batonbearers, this will be a rare and unforgettable experience.”

Since its launch from Buckingham Palace on 13 March 2017, the Baton has inspired athletes and fans across Africa, the Caribbean, the Americas and Europe. Currently it is in Malaysia and is set to visit the remaining 15 Commonwealth nations in Asia and Oceania before arriving in Brisbane on Christmas Eve.

It will be 60 years since a Baton first carried Her Majesty’s message to athletes of the Commonwealth at the Cardiff 1958 British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Wales.

GOLDOC showcased the uniforms batonbearers will wear today the first time.

Batonbearer names and the communities that they will carry the Baton in are available at gc2018.com/qbr