QUEEN’S BATON HEADING FOR NORTH STAFFS
Two-day tour ahead of the start of the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham
THE Queen’s Baton Relay is to visit North Staffordshire on a two-day tour.
Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games has revealed the route of the relay ahead of this summer’s sporting celebration.
Its 11-day tour of the West Midlands includes visits to Keele, Newcastle, Kidsgrove and Stoke-on-trent on Monday, July 18. It then visits Stafford, Stone, Rudyard and Leek on Tuesday, July 19.
One of the highlights is a visit to the pump track at Newchapel Recreation Ground on July 18.
The Queen’s Baton Relay will be in England for 29 days, ending at the opening ceremony on July 28.
Birmingham 2022 chief executive Ian Reid said: “While the baton has been travelling across the Commonwealth, we have worked closely with local authorities in England to devise a route that engages with hundreds of communities, passing sporting venues, historic sites, local schools and areas of outstanding natural beauty.
“The Queen’s Baton Relay symbolises connecting people from every corner of the Commonwealth, celebrates baton bearers who take on challenges, and marks the countdown to the biggest sporting event in West Midlands history.
“We hope communities join the excitement, attend events near them, line the streets to cheer on our incredible baton bearers and celebrate the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.”
Staffordshire will play a key role in the Games.
The mountain biking competitions are taking place at Cannock Chase and the men’s and women’s cycling time trials will be passing through the south of the county.
County councillor Victoria Wilson, cabinet member for communities and culture, said: “This is a really exciting time and it’s brilliant news that the Queen’s Baton Relay will be making several appearances in the county.
“I’m sure it will create an enormous buzz in the lead up to the games in the summer and I would like to thank all our local baton bearers who are taking part.
“The games will be a huge event for the region and we are incredibly proud to be hosting two events. Both events will help showcase our amazing county to the world and a global audience.”