By Jeremy Sollars
The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Queen’s Baton Relay (GC2018 QBR) conducted a trial run through Warwick on Saturday 2 December.
The Southern Downs is one of only two regions in which this trial will be conducted, and will feature the Commonwealth Games branded vehicle convoy with a full police presence.
The route through the Warwick CBD was specifically designed to incorporate as many schools as possible and to involve as many school children as possible.
The Commonwealth Games vehicle convoy began at Warwick East State Primary School, and included stops at Warwick State High School, Warwick Central State Primary School and St Mary’s Primary School.
Southern Downs Mayor Tracy Dobie said involving school children in the celebration of the Commonwealth Games supported the key themes of the Commonwealth Games 2018.
“The Games celebrate sport, community, diversity and peace,” Cr Dobie said..
“The Queen’s Baton Relay is a tradition that inspires community pride and excites people about the world-class festival of sports and culture to come.
“Children will remember this event well into their adulthood, and will also take with them the joy and excitement of this world-class sporting event.
“Perhaps, there are children in our community who will be inspired to go on to represent Australia at Commonwealth Games in the future.”
The GC2018 Queen’s Baton Relay will be the longest and the most accessible ever, not just passing through, but spending quality time in each community it visits.
The eyes of the Commonwealth will be on Warwick on Thursday 29 March 2018 as the Baton journeys towards its final destination, the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018) Opening Ceremony on 4 April 2018.
Last Saturday, the roles of baton bearers were played by councillors and council staff, but in March when the real thing takes place in Warwick the following local sporting and other identities will carry the Queen’s Baton …
From Warwick – Rex Baguley, Linda Bunch, Linda Coombes, John Davis, Xsanthia-Rose Frith, Aaron Payne.
From Stanthorpe – Michael Hayes, Steve McEvoy, Angelina Sims.
