Starting the countdown to 2022 - The Evesham Observer

Starting the countdown to 2022

Evesham Editorial 1st Nov, 2021 Updated: 1st Nov, 2021   0

SPORTS Minister and Worcestershire MP Nigel Huddleston has started the countdown to the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

The Queen’s Baton Relay has started its epic journey across the globe after it departed from Birmingham Airport and headed to Cyprus – the first stop on the relay.

Mr Huddleston, who serves as MP for Mid Worcestershire, was on hand at the airport and at Buckingham Palace where Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II officially launched the relay.

The Queen placed her message to the Commonwealth into the baton in the presence of batonbearers made up of athletes who will be competing in next year’s Games, young flagbearers from the West Midlands, the Birmingham 2022 Hometown Heroes and representatives from across the Commonwealth.




The relay is a tradition that celebrates, connects and excites communities from across the Commonwealth during the build up to the Games.

The Queen’s Baton will now visit all 72 nations and territories of the Commonwealth for 294 days, covering 140,000 kilometres. The global journey will conclude at the opening ceremony of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games on July 28.


During each visit, nations and territories will host events and activities which showcase untold stories from batonbearers, athletes, and young people who are striving for change in their community, as well as showcasing a project which addresses at least one of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The baton was created in Birmingham and the West Midlands in a collaboration which fused art, technology and science.

Made from copper, aluminium and steel, the baton also features a platinum strand in homage to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in her Platinum Jubilee year. It is also equipped with cutting-edge technology; 360-camera, heart rate monitor, atmospheric sensors and LED lighting.

“It was an honour to participate in the Queen’s Baton Relay launch ceremony at Buckingham Palace,” Mr Huddleston said.

“It’s really exciting to think the next time the Baton returns to the West Midlands, it will be time for the Commonwealth Games. It was good to meet with all those who took part in the ceremony, not least Perry the Games mascot!

“The countdown really begins now and I very much look forward to following the Baton’s journey around the Commonwealth,” he added.

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