“Finding out that I’d been selected to take part in the Queen’s Baton Relay ahead of the Commonwealth Games was a brilliant feeling and I’m really looking forward to the experience,” said Team England’s Sian Honnor as she prepares to carry the Baton in tomorrow’s relay leg in the South East of England (Thursday, July 7).
“I remember standing on a double decker bus in the car park of Egham Bowls Club watching the Olympic torch relay celebrations and feeling such a buzz of excitement about a home Games so to be running myself will be incredible, I’m sure.”
The Baton is currently embarking on its 25-day tour of England, where it will visit every region, marking the final leg of this epic journey.
Kicking off at the Eden Project in the South West of England, Denise Lewis OBE received the Baton on behalf of Team England.
“I’m slightly concerned about tripping over given how clumsy I am, but I’m trying not to think about that possibility,” she added
“It’s an honour to have been chosen from all the nominations and great that bowls has been recognised in this way.”
Sian will be competing at her fourth Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, medalling in the women’s triples at her three previous Games, including a gold in Glasgow 2014 alongside Sophie Tolchard and Ellen Falkner MBE.
“If you win a medal, it’s celebrated by everyone from your country; what you play doesn’t matter and for a sport that invariably feels like a poor, distant relation to mainstream sports, that is incredibly important.”
The Relay officially began its journey on October 7, 2021, and by July 28, 2022, it will have visited all 72 Commonwealth nations and territories, bringing cultures and communities together in the lead up to Birmingham 2022.
The Baton will visit every region, with the final eleven days touring the West Midlands, before reaching its ultimate finale at the Birmingham 2022 Opening Ceremony.
Visit the Birmingham 2022 website to find out when the Baton is near you.
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