BATON’S ON WAY
THE Maccoll family will share a special moment in history when three of its members take part in the Cairns leg of the Queen’s Baton Relay ahead of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games next month.
St Andrew’s Catholic College science and information technology teacher Kate Maccoll and her children Ellie and Andrew will be cheered on by family who will fly in from Brisbane for the event this week.
Ms Maccoll believes her 34year involvement in the Red Cross, a hobby in archery and her career as a teacher played a part in her selection.
“It’s nice to be recognised for those things that make up a lot of what of I am,” she said.
“I’ve never been to a Commonwealth Games but I have very vivid memories of watching the Commonwealth Games on television, and in Brisbane with Matilda the kangaroo.
“It’s pretty huge that all three of us are participating. I’m a bit worried about whether I’ll be up to running, but I’m certainly going to be excited beforehand.”
The Maccoll family will also try to get tickets to the local basketball matches.
Commonwealth Games organisers have also chosen four other St Andrew’s community members to be a part of the relay. Year 9 student Tayla Gunton, Year 7 students Arya Howarth-Dennis and Tasha Linklater, Year 12 student Emma Simpson cannot wait to take part.
Tayla, 14, is competing in the national track and field championships in Sydney and said the experience was a rare opportunity.
“My sport teacher referred me. It’s a really big achievement and a really good experience because it only happens once every four years,” she said.
Tayla has been running long distance competitively for four years and dreams of competing in a future Commonwealth or Olympic Games.
“I did gymnastics and my teacher recommended I do running. I won the carnival one year and she thought I should keep doing it because I’m good at it.
“I just really like the achievement in pushing yourself, and meeting people.”