The Lower Hunter has been well-represented in the 2018 Commonwealth Games Queen’s Baton Relay with five local identities all carrying the baton.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Gillieston Heights Olympic gold-winning swimmer Maddi Elliott OAM, former Maitland Freeman of the City Irene Hemsworth, Thornton’s Michelle Lawson and Metford’s Charlie Sanders were among those chosen to carry the baton in Newcastle on Saturday.
Cessnock Commonwealth gold-winning shooter Daniel Repacholi was also part of the tour in Kempsey on Friday (two days after his selection in the Australian team for the Gold Coast games).
The Queen’s Baton Relay is a Games tradition that carries a message from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II calling on participating athletes to come together in peaceful and friendly competition.
After starting on March 13, 2017 at Buckingham Palace, the baton will travel through Commonwealth countries for 388 days before it reaches the Gold Coast for the Commonwealth Games.
The baton will arrive for the Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony on April 4, where Her Majesty’s message from the baton will be read aloud to declare the Games officially open.
Read more: The baton relay begins
