Fantastic final day for baton
A FLOTILLA of surf life savers navigated rough waters off Surfers Paradise to bring the Queen’s Baton to land yesterday morning, with hundreds waiting on shore to welcome the baton on the final leg of its long journey.
A chopper hovered overhead as local surf life saving legends Trevor and TJ Hendy carried the baton across the sand to cheering crowds.
Southport Surf Life Saving Club’s captain George Ganis was part of the convoy proudly carrying local club flags behind the father and son.
“I’ve been a surf life saver for a long time,” Ganis said.
“I love the camaraderie, community service.”
Ganis said the challenging conditions made for an interesting ride in.
“It was a bit rough out in the surf, a bit hairy, especially with so many of us, but it was fun,” he said. “It was terrific, I’m a bit proud.”
Sally Pearson was beaming as the next baton bearer, keeping her pace slow and steady down the Esplanade.
Pearson passed the baton to fellow Gold Coast local and disabled champion athlete John Coutis.
Double amputee Coutis cruised down the Esplanade on his custom skateboard, flanked by his proud wife and supporters.
Another bearer defying the odds was Perry Cross, a Southport man left quadraplegic after a rugby tackle.
Cross has helped to raise more than $500,000 for Australian spinal research and continues to inspire others to live fulfilling lives.
The bearers proudly carrying the baton yesterday came from all walks of life and abilities, bringing the community together to remind the Gold Coast that the Games are for everyone.