Everything you need to know about the relay
What is the Queen’s Baton Relay?
The relay is a Games tradition that celebrates the Commonwealth’s diversity, inspires community pride and excites people about the world-class festival of sports and culture to come. The Queen’s baton carries a message from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II that calls the Commonwealth’s athletes to come together in peaceful and friendly competition.
The GC2018 Queen’s Baton Relay marks 60 years since a message from Her Majesty The Queen was first placed inside a baton for the 1958 Cardiff Games. When the GC2018 Queen’s Baton was recently in Cardiff original 1958 Baton bearer Bill Sweetman got to carry the baton again.
How long is the 2018 relay?
388 days in total — 288 international, 100 in Australia. Travels 230,000km, 40,000km in Australia.
How can I watch the relay?
The street level detail of exactly where the baton will travel on the Gold Coast will be announced on November 17. You will also be able to follow the baton in real time at gc2018.com/qbr, keep up to date with photos and video on social media @gc2018, and through your local news channels.
Who can carry the baton and how are they selected?
A baton bearer is someone who meets one or more of the following criteria: Has achieved something extraordinary or inspired others to achieve something extraordinary; has made a significant contribution to either sport, education, the arts, culture, charity or within their community; has excelled, or aspires to excel athletically or personally; who contributes to a fun, friendly, vibrant and inclusive community. Baton bearers were nominated by someone who knows them; family, friends, peers, colleagues and fellow community members. Nominations were judged individually on a merit-based system according to the selection criteria. Independent judging panels were used in each state and territory to ensure a fair and transparent process.
How many baton bearers are there?
Approximately 3800 baton bearers will carry the Queen’s Baton around Australia.
How many locations does it visit?
The GC2018 Queen’s Baton will visit 180 celebration communities across all states and territories of Australia.
Will there be an event to mark its final stop on the Gold Coast?
The Queen’s Baton Relay will conclude at the Gold Coast 2018 Opening Ceremony on April 4, 2018, where Her Majesty’s representative, Prince Charles, will remove the message from the baton and read it aloud to officially open the Games.