In the news: The Queen's Baton Relay visited Basildon on its 16th official year

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, it has travelled via land, air and sea, with more than 180 communities in England experiencing the Queen's Baton on a route spanning 2,500 miles (4,000 kilometres). From energetic cities and historic market towns, to rolling countryside and rugged coastline.

Basildon's Commonwealth Games Celebration Event saw approximately 270 children from Primary and Secondary Schools across the Basildon Borough cheer on the Queen's Baton, with a range of sporting activities held throughout the day to reflect the Games, including Gymnastics, Netball, Rugby and Table Tennis.

Leader of Basildon Council, Councillor Andrew Baggott, commented: "We are honoured to have been part of this historic event with Colin Jackson and Ryan Donnelly as our Batonbearers, bringing together our community on this very special Queen's Platinum Jubilee year."

Shaun Beagle, Area Contract Manager at Everyone Active, commented: "It was really special to see the children complete a lap of the track with the baton alongside Colin Jackson and Ryan Donnelly- a memory I'm sure they'll never forget! 

"It was also fantastic to see so many children of different abilities all loving physical activity and getting involved in our commonwealth sport taster sessions. We hope that the day encouraged participants to challenge themselves and try something new."

For more information on the Queen's Baton Relay, visit: Birmingham Commonwealth Games - Queen's Baton Relay website (opens new window)

ENDS

Published 11 July 2022