LOCALS have the chance to share in the spirit of the Commonwealth Games when Tamworth hosts the Queen’s Baton Relay in 2018.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The city was announced on Sunday as one of 137 local government areas to land the hosting rights, which civic leaders say will be a boost for the economy and a win for the community.
Residents are now being called on to carry the baton when it passes through Tamworth on January 31, 2018 towards its final destination, the Gold Coast 2018 (GC2018) Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony on April 4, 2018.
Tamworth Region Acting Mayor Helen Tickle said the Queen’s Baton Relay will shine a light on the people and places that help make the Tamworth community great.
“We’re delighted to be a part of an event that will take our region to the world and I encourage community members to nominate a local resident you think deserves to be a batonbearer, whether they’re an aspiring young person or someone who is already accomplished,” she said.
"This will put Tamworth in the global spotlight, (and it’s) going to give the whole community the opportunity to be involved, and the chance to get into the spirit of the Commonwealth Games.
“It will bring a lot of economic activity to our community and to the region.
“It will be exciting to see the start of the Relay at Buckingham Palace later this month and to follow the baton’s journey around the world on its way to Tamworth and the Opening Ceremony of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.”
Tamworth Business Chamber president Jye Segboer said the baton’s visit will allow Tamworth to play an important role in the latest multi-sport event to be staged in Australia in a decade.
“It’s an opportunity for all members of our community to come together and showcase our region to the world,” he said.
"It’s another opportunity for Tamworth to shine, especially after the (Country Music) Festival.”
A community nomination program will offer residents of the Tamworth region an opportunity to carry the baton.
Though details are yet to be finalised, each batonbearer will walk or run a 250-metre stretch through the city’s streets.
The baton will start its global journey at Buckingham Palace on Monday 13 March, travelling over 388 days through every Commonwealth nation and territory. Nominations can be made at gc2018.com/qbr until May 15.
