The build-up to next year’s Commonwealth Games continues as the Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay (QBR) global tour reaches Scotland for a five-day tour. Day one incorporates a visit to Glasgow and South Lanarkshire.
The five-day programme of events and celebrations and the presence of the Baton bring the Gold Coast 2018 one step closer for athletes and supporters, as Team Scotland aims for its best ever medal haul at an overseas Games.
Today with the QBR:
The QBR will arrive at Glasgow Airport and spend the first day visiting legacy projects and youth and community groups related to the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games including:
Welcome to Scotland at the Glasgow School of Sport, Bellahouston Academy
Commonwealth Games Village – Meet permanent residents of Team Scotland accommodation
Cunignar Loop Woodland Park – Bike Town community group bike ride through the park* (12-12.30pm, Cuningar Loop, Downiebrae Road, Rutherglen, Glasgow G73)
Emirates Arena – Schools participation event linked to the 2017 World Badminton Championships
The Legacy Hub, Dalmarnock – local community event * (1.30 – 2.30pm, The Legacy Hub, Dalmarnock, 301 Springfield Road, Glasgow G40 3LJ)
University of Strathclyde Innovation Centre – Commonwealth Youth Leaders Conference
George Square – Starting point of the Glasgow Commonwealth Walkway. * (4.15 – 5pm, George Square, Glasgow G2 1DU)
Events open to the public are marked with *
Visit the Team Scotland website for details of the route and events taking place each day.
What is the QBR:
The Queen’s Baton Relay is a Games tradition that celebrates the Commonwealth’s diversity, inspires community pride and excites people about the world-class festival of sports and culture to come. The Queen’s Baton carries a message from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II that calls the Commonwealth’s athletes to come together in peaceful and friendly competition.
Designed for each Games by the host nation, the 2018 Queen’s Baton has a distinctive loop design and has been made using macadamia wood and reclaimed plastic, sourced from Gold Coast waterways, and inspired by the region’s vibrant spirit and indigenous heritage.
With only five days in Scotland this year, compared to the hugely successful 42 day tour of the country in 2014 as Commonwealth Games hosts, the focus is on not just passing through, but spending quality time in each community it visits. The programme includes school and community events with a strong youth and sport theme, showcasing our rich heritage, links to Australia, The Commonwealth and a number of exciting Glasgow 2014 legacy projects.
The QBR continues on Wednesday with its first-ever visit to Islay in the Inner Hebrides for a unique range of youth and community events.