Caloundra to welcome Queen’s Baton in lead up to Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games

The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC) has announced Caloundra as one of the Australian celebration communities that will take part in the Queen’s Baton Relay.

The eyes of the Commonwealth will be on Caloundra on March 27, 2018 as the Baton journeys towards its final destination, the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018) Opening Ceremony on April 4, 2018.

Mayor Mark Jamieson said it was an honour to have one of the Sunshine Coast’s favourite locations selected as an official celebration community.

“We’re delighted to be a part of an event that will take Caloundra and the Sunshine Coast to the world,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“The Queen’s Baton Relay is not only a symbol of the Commonwealth Games, but an event that will connect Caloundra with communities across Australia and the entire Commonwealth.

“It’s a tradition that celebrates community pride and that shows us how important a role sport plays to build our great community, which is why we’ve chosen to embrace the Baton’s visit wholeheartedly. And it means Caloundra will play an important part in the largest multi-sport event to be staged in Australia in a decade.”

GOLDOC are calling on local legends to carry the Queen’s Baton during the Caloundra leg.

A community nomination program, which opens today, will offer the people of the Sunshine Coast region with an opportunity to carry the Baton.

“I encourage you to nominate a local legend you think deserves to be a Batonbearer, whether they’re an aspiring young person or someone who is already accomplished,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“The Queen’s Baton Relay is a rare opportunity to shine a light on the people and places that help make our community truly great.”

Across Australia approximately 3,800 batonbearers are needed to share the dream of the ‘friendly Games’ as part of the QBR.

Batonbearers are people of all abilities who inspire others to be great. Batonbearers will represent a community with pride and showcase to the world the region’s great people, sporting achievements, cultural activity and landscapes.

From today until May 15, 2017, anyone can nominate a person who inspires them to be great. Batonbearer nominations can be made at gc2018.com/qbr.

GC2018 are looking for people who:

• Have achieved something extraordinary or inspired others to achieve something extraordinary; or
• Have made a significant contribution to either sport, education, the arts, culture, charity or within their community; or
• Have excelled, or aspire to excel athletically or personally; or
• Contribute to a fun, friendly, vibrant and inclusive community;
• Are at least 10 years old as at 25 December 2017; and
• Are an Australian citizen or lawfully entitled to reside in Australia during the Relay period (25 December 2017 – 4 April 2018).

The Queen’s Baton carries a message from Her Majesty The Queen through the entire Commonwealth. The Games are declared officially open when the message is read aloud.

In just eight days the Baton will start its global journey at Buckingham Palace on Commonwealth Day, Monday 13 March. It will travel through every Commonwealth nation and territory on its way to Australia.

Setting off in Australia on 25 December 2017, the Baton will travel for 100 days to connect with as many people as possible in every state and territory.

“I for one can’t wait for the start of the QBR on Commonwealth Day, Monday 13 March, and to follow its journey around the world on its way to Caloundra and the Opening Ceremony of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games,” Mayor Jamieson said.