ROAD TO THE GAMES
THE Queen’s Baton Relay arrives in Townsville this weekend on its way to the Gold Coast 2018 XXI Commonwealth Games next month.
More than 100 locals and highprofile Townsville celebrities, including model Rachael Finch (pictured) will take part in the festivities for the relay, which runs from tomorrow afternoon and into Monday.
Among the baton bearers are local community heroes spanning from schoolchildren to senior citizens.
It is Townsville’s chance to rev up ahead of the Games, which will see the city host basketball fixtures.
AS THE Queen’s Baton arrives in Townsville tomorrow, over 100 Townsville heroes will line up to carry the Queen’s personal message a little closer to the Commonwealth Games.
Townsville’s baton bearers are from all walks of life, of all different backgrounds, with all different experiences and of all ages.
At the age of 83, Townsville’s oldest batonbearer Glen Merry AM said the relay would draw plenty of local support.
“It’s a great community event, and it does bring out a lot of things in the community,” Mr Merry said.
“Anything that helps to enhance the community, that’s where I think we have to all get in and help as much as we can.”
Mr Merry said since retiring to Townsville to be closer to family over a year ago, he’s noticed the immense pride and camaraderie locals have in community events.
“One of the big things we’ve found is that people are just so friendly wherever we go,” he said.
“The other big thing that we like is when a community function is put on, people all come along. Things are always so well attended, that’s what we like about it.”
The retired professor of neurosurgery was awarded an AM in 2001 for his significant contributions to advancements in neurosurgical science, improved mortality for patients with head injuries and the reduction of neurotrauma associated with cars and bikes.
He served as chairman of the
Neurotraumatology Committee of the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies and is a Life Member of Surf Lifesaving Association of Australia for volunteer medical services, but didn’t think he would get picked to carry the Queen’s Baton.
“I thought I wouldn’t be considered anyhow, being 83,” he said. “We all try to do our best. “When you like it, you just go and do it. It’s the same with these sporting people – they just go for it.”
At just 10 years of age, youngest local batonbearer Lachlan Pugh is a little nervous about carrying the Queen’s message in front of a big home crowd.
“There will be a lot of people watching me,” he said.
Lachlan was nominated for the Queen’s Baton Relay by his school, Riverside Adventist Christian School, and the Year 5 student will be the only repres- entative from the small school running in the relay.
Mum Renee Napier said Lachlan realised the importance of being a part of the relay.
“I think he’s a bit like me in the sense that things don’t really sink in until you’re there,” she said.
“He’s heard lots about it, I think he’s quietly educated himself about it, too, so I think he gets it.”
Lachlan and his family were involved in a horrifying accident just three years ago which left Ms Napier a quadriplegic, but he showed incredible strength to support his family.
Ms Napier said it was an honour for Lachlan to represent the school that helped her family so much through the difficult time.
“With Riverside, I went there when I was little and they’re about to have their 50th anniversary,” she said.
“It’s been a wonderful school. I’m glad he gets to represent them because they’ve been there for me.
“They were extended family for the kids, at any other school I just don’t think they would have done as well.”
A passionate team from Riverside Adventist is set to cheer Lachlan on as he carries the Baton along Woolcock St tomorrow afternoon.
Lachlan said he would take his time and enjoy the jog.
I THOUGHT I WOULDN’T BE CONSIDERED ANYHOW, BEING 83 RETIRED PROFESSOR OF NEUROSURGERY GLEN MERRY