Published: Wednesday, 6th July 2022
On Saturday morning at 8am the Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay will arrive at Alive Lynnsport. There’s a free family fun-day taking place at the venue to celebrate the visit.
Alive Lynnsport in King’s Lynn will welcome the Queen’s Baton Relay between 8am and 9am on Saturday 9 July 2022.
Thousands of Batonbearers, each with inspiring backgrounds and stories, will have the honour of carrying the Baton during the journey through England, including those nominated in recognition of their contributions to their local community, whether that be in sport, education, the arts, culture or charity. One of the Batonbearers at Lynnsport will be Mick Ennis from King’s Lynn.
Nominated by Wendy Fisher from Ryston Runners. She said: “Mick Ennis is 80, and a running inspiration to many. He was a founder of King's Lynn Parkrun, and run director, running it most weeks & helps setting up. He started running regular 10k's during lockdown and has completed his 200th.
“Mick encourages everyone else to run and enjoy it, is an ambassador and welfare officer for Ryston Runners, and supporter of Race for Life. He does keep fit for his elderly neighbours, supports The Stroke Association, in memory of his late wife, and Myeloma, in memory of his late daughter. Mick is an example, motivator and gentleman.”
During its time in King’s Lynn, the Queen’s Baton Relay will visit Lynnsport and will experience a free family activity day.
The schedule of activity for the Baton’s time in King’s Lynn includes:
- 8am-9am, Batonbearer will move around outdoor sports on the site, culminating at the Lynnsport Athletics Track with children’s activities.
- 8am-2pm, Free family activities including football, hockey, tennis, disability sports, skatepark, gymnastics, athletics and sports tasters.
Members of the public are encouraged to get involved with the celebrations and embrace the arrival of the Baton, taking the opportunity to experience the buzz of Birmingham 2022 in their community. The Birmingham 2022 website will be updated with information over the coming months, with detail on the events and where to line the route.
Cllr Sam Sandell, Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk Cabinet Member for People and Communities, said: “We are thrilled that the Queen’s Baton Relay will be visiting our Alive Lynnsport site in King’s Lynn. It’s a great opportunity for local people to get involved in the build up to the games in Birmingham. It is also a great opportunity to showcase the sports facilities we have on offered and encourage more people to think about taking up activities that will lead to a healthier lifestyle. I hope many people will come along and cheer on our local Batonbearers.”
Travelling via land, air and sea, more than 180 communities in England will experience the Queen’s Baton on a route spanning 2,500 miles (4,000 kilometres). From energetic cities and historic market towns, to rolling countryside and rugged coastline, the Baton will head as far south as Cornwall and as far north as Northumberland.
Since its inaugural appearance at the Cardiff 1958 Commonwealth Games, the Queen’s Baton Relay has been a tradition for the Commonwealth Games.
The Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay began at Buckingham Palace on 7 October 2021, when The Queen placed Her Message to the Commonwealth into the Baton and passed it to four-time Paralympic gold medallist Kadeena Cox, who had the honour of being the first of thousands of Batonbearers to carry the Baton.
Since then, the Baton has visited Commonwealth nations and territories in Europe, Africa, Oceania. It still has further destinations in the Caribbean, the Americas, and more countries in Europe, including the Home Nations consisting of five days in Scotland, four in Northern Ireland and five in Wales, where it will finish on Sunday 3 July, before returning to England in summer for the final countdown to the Commonwealth Games.
The dates of when the Baton visits each region are:
4 July – 5 July: South West
6 July – 7 July: South East
8 July – 9 July: East of England
10 July – 11 July: East Midlands
12 July – 13 July: Yorkshire and the Humber
14 July – 15 July: North East
16 July – 17 July: North West
18 July – 28 July: West Midlands
Phil Batty, Director of Ceremonies, Culture & Queen's Baton Relay, said: “Whilst 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 sport venues, historic sites, local schools and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Yet the Queen’s Baton Relay is far more than just a journey. It symbolises connecting people from every corner of the Commonwealth, celebrates Batonbearers who take on challenges, and marks the countdown the biggest sporting event in West Midlands history. And by the time the Baton returns to England for the final leg, 71 nations and territories will have already experienced the magic that comes with it.
“We hope that communities across the country join the excitement, attend events near them, line the streets to cheer on our incredible Batonbearers and celebrate the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.”
Commonwealth Games Federation President Dame Louise Martin DBE said: “The Queen’s Baton Relay symbolises hope, solidarity and collaboration across the Commonwealth at a time when it is needed most. It continues to inspire people wherever it goes and creates huge excitement for Birmingham 2022 as it journeys towards the Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony on July 28.”
The Queen’s Baton
The Queen’s Baton for Birmingham 2022 was created in a West Midlands collaboration that fused art, technology and science. Made from copper, aluminium and steel, the Baton also features a platinum strand in homage to The Queen in her Platinum Jubilee year. It is also equipped with cutting-edge technology; 360-degree camera, heart rate monitor, atmospheric sensors and LED lighting.
For more information on the Queen’s Baton Relay, visit www.birmingham2022.com/qbr.