Column by the leader of South Gloucestershire Council, Toby Savage.
On Tuesday 5 July, South Gloucestershire proudly welcomed the Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay on its route to the Commonwealth Games. The Baton Relay stopped at The Wave, the inland surfing destination in Easter Compton, where the Baton even took to the water for a spot of surfing.
Following an international tour, The Queen’s Baton Relay is currently on a 2,500 mile, 25-day tour around 180 communities in England and I am absolutely delighted that South Gloucestershire was chosen as one of these stops. Events such as The Commonwealth Games bring communities together and can really help to inspire people to take up sports and lead more active lifestyles.
I was honoured to be invited along to the relay event and see the Baton as it visited our area. The Wave is a fantastic facility, and on the day, the Queen’s Baton Relay event captured the energy and excitement ahead of Birmingham 2022.
A ‘Paddleout’ of surfers marked the occasion and the Baton then took to the waves for a surf with The Wave’s founder. Local primary schools including Severn Beach and Almondsbury brought children along to surf for free and The Wave ambassadors, such as Olympian Jenny Jones and Team England Adaptive Surfers, were there to celebrate too. Local people were also able to attend free of charge and spectators lined the edge of the surfing lake to watch the spectacle.
Three especially selected and deserving Batonbearers from the local area accompanied The Baton to The Wave. Thousands of Batonbearers, each with inspiring backgrounds and stories, have the honour of carrying it 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.
I am very pleased that the Queen’s Baton Relay gave our district the opportunity to experience the excitement of Birmingham 2022. The activities at The Wave showcased just some of the many exciting ways in which people can take part in physical activity in our beautiful district.
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