BEARING A GREA T HONOUR
THE Queen’s Baton completed its tour of Townsville yesterday on its way to the Gold Coast for the start of the Commonwealth Games.
Another 38 local identities carried the baton during the second day of the relay run in Townsville.
Rugby league legend Gorden Tallis was Townsville’s final baton bearer, with Townsville Fire championship winner Kayla George another high- profile runner.
“It was a pretty special thing and something I’ll remember for the rest of my life,” George said.
“I had my mum there to watch me run with the baton and there were some Fire fans there, which was a lovely thing. “Townsville has been bee home for me, with three seasons with the Fire, and it was great to be a part of such a significant event for the region.” George will represent Australia as part of the Opals team, which will play in preliminary Commonwealth Games matches in Townsville between April 6 and April 9. Thousands witnessed the Queen’s Baton during its time in Townsville, with model Rachael Finch, golden girl Libby Trickett and king of the North Johnathan Thurston the big- name baton bearers on Sunday. In total 116 people had the honour of being baton bearers in Townsville. Commonwealth Games Queen’s Baton Relay spokeswoman Trish Quayle said bearers were chosen for contributions they had made to society. The baton carries a message from The Queen that will be presented at the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony on April 4.