GLASGOW 2014 QUEEN’S BATON RELAY LEAVES CANADA!
Thousands of Canadians touched by the Baton during visits to Ottawa, Toronto and Hamilton
Their Excellencies the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and Mrs. Sharon Johnston were the first in Canada to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games Queen’s Baton Relay on Monday, April 28th. The Queen’s Baton Relay began its Canadian visit by making its way from Sussex Gate to Rideau Hall, carried by Commonwealth medallists Abby Hoffman, Bruce Robertson and Glenroy Gilbert, as well as 2007 Commonwealth wrestling champion Alex Brown-Thériault. Canada’s Chef de Mission at Glasgow 2014, Chantal Petitclerc handed the Baton off to His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston.
On the afternoon of April 28th, the Queen’s Baton Relay made its way to Parliament Hill, where it was received by Minister of State (Sport) Bal Gosal, and participated in a relay from the House of Commons to the surroundings of the Hill. Hundreds of students took part in sports activities organized by Run, Jump, Throw of Athletics Canada and participated in a section of the Baton relay as well.
Wednesday morning the Queen’s Baton Relay visited the Toronto 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games headquarters, where the mascots for TORONTO 2015 and Commonwealth Games Canada were challenged to a race - which ended in a tie. The mascots were joined by top athletes, cheering fans, and treated all to a very entertaining race.
Wednesday afternoon, the Canadian Team uniform for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games was unveiled at an event held in Toronto at 99 Sudbury’s Glass Factory. Guests were entertained by a fashion show, with the models being past and current Commonwealth Games Team members. Highlights of the unveiling included the Team’s Opening and Closing Ceremony outfits – both of which include Canada’s own “maple leaf tartan”. In Glasgow 2014, the team will be truly #CladInPlaid!
Thursday morning, the Queen’s Baton Relay took part in a 1.5 kilometre relay featuring members of Toronto’s lesbian, gay, bi and trans (LGBT) communities and their allies. Led by PrideHouseTO, the Relay highlighted the inclusion of LGBT people in sport and the diversity of our communities.
Thursday afternoon, the British Council and Ryerson University hosted a Schools Celebration to welcome the Baton. Approximately 100 elementary students competed in Commonwealth Games sports events, heard from Canadian athletes and officials from the UK, and connected virtually with students in Scotland.
Friday, the QBR wrapped up its Canadian visit in Hamilton with a ceremony rich with historical references, with 97-year-old 1934 Commonwealth athlete Vi Smith participating in welcoming the Queen’s Baton to the birthplace of the Commonwealth Games. Ms. Smith was joined by athletes representing each decade of the Commonwealth Games and several dignitaries as the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada Pipe and Drum Band paraded the Queens Baton into Scott Park Arena.
ABOUT COMMONWEALTH GAMES CANADA
Commonwealth Games Canada (CGC) is the franchise holder for the Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth movement in Canada, and an active, contributing member of the Canadian sport community. The mission of CGC is to strengthen sport within Canada and throughout the Commonwealth by participating in the Commonwealth Games and by using sport as a development tool. Visit www.commonwealthgames.ca for information.
For additional information:
Commonwealth Games Canada
Communications Chief
Sylvie Bigras
(613) 298 1625 (c)
sylvie@magma.ca
