Ahead of the opening ceremony of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games at Alexander Stadium on 28 July, St. George’s Park welcomed the Queen’s Baton Relay for its final visit, following a tour of 72 nations and territories.
The Queen’s Baton Relay began on 7 October 2021 and has travelled via land, air and sea, spanning countries including Gibraltar, the Cook Islands and Scotland before passing through Liverpool, Northfield and Alnwick on its journey to Birmingham. East Staffordshire was the final call, when the Baton toured the home of England's teams, St. George’s Park.
To commemorate the visit, St. George’s Park hosted an invitational school football celebration on the David Beckham Pitch, while the Queen’s Baton Relay continued its route around the many facilities, including a stop at the Arthur Wharton statue.
Carrying the baton through the Staffordshire base were local individuals nominated by peers for their inspiring work in the communities and personal achievement.
Among them and pictured above are Andrew Ryley, a mental health advocate after suffering himself, Lorna Sheppard, born with a twisted ribcage and spine who was told physical activity would be a lifelong struggle, but has since climbed Kilimanjaro and completed the London Marathon and Dan Berry, who completed seven triathlons in seven days, raising over £26,500 for Birmingham Children’s Hospital.
St. George’s Park was proud to welcome the Queen’s Baton Relay, along with the incredible baton bearers and local children for a celebration ahead of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
The Queen's Baton Relay visits ahead of 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham
Tuesday 26 Jul 2022