The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games has today confirmed the inspirational people from communities across the West Midlands who will take on the role of Batonbearer in the Queen’s Baton Relay this summer. The Queen’s Baton will return home to the West Midlands on 18 - 28 July, in the final ten-day countdown to Birmingham 2022. The successful Batonbearers have been specially selected to represent the West Midlands and carry the Baton through local communities.

 

On its tour of Commonwealth nations and territories, the Queen’s Baton will arrive back in England on 2 June 2022 for a four-day visit to London, coinciding with The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Central Weekend, before resuming the international journey. It later returns to England on 4 July to commence a 25-day tour across all remaining regions. The Relay will culminate at the Alexander Stadium on 28 July for the Opening Ceremony, where the Queen’s Message will be read aloud, signifying the official start of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

The confirmation of Batonbearers comes following the public nomination campaign in January 2022, from which approximately 8,000 nominations for were submitted. The callout was for inspirational people in England who met the selection criteria:

·         Always willing to take on a challenge and has a unique and inspiring story;

·         Has made a meaningful contribution to sport, education, the arts, culture, or charity;

·         Is a figure of inspiration that positively challenges others to achieve their best;

·         Has taken on a challenge or cause and made a positive impact within their community

Nominations were reviewed by regional selection panels made up of representatives from youth organisations, charities, universities, community leaders, and representatives from Local Authorities.

Batonbearers have been selected in all nine regions of England and embody the diversity in communities across the country. From local heroes to inspirational school children, the Batonbearers come from all walks of life, backgrounds and vary in age - with children as young as 12 taking part - and each take on issues that matter most to them.

Today, CJ Lloyd Webley, from the West Midlands joined other confirmed community Batonbearers at the Alexander Stadium, where the Relay will reach its finale following a month of celebrations across the country. Each Batonbearer has been notified on which day and in which region they will carry the Baton, which will be on one of the following dates:

·         London – Thursday 2 June – Monday 6 June

·         South West – Monday 4 July – Tuesday 5 July

·         South East – Wednesday 6 July – Thursday 7 July

·         East of England – Friday 8 July – Saturday 9 July

·         East Midlands – Sunday 10 July – Monday 11 July

·         Yorkshire & The Humber – Tuesday 12 July – Wednesday 13 July

·         North East – Thursday 14 July – Friday 15 July

·         North West – Saturday 16 July – Sunday 17 July

·         West Midlands – Monday 18 July – Thursday 28 July

Further details of Queen’s Baton Relay route will be revealed in May 2022.