Next Tuesday, May 20th, the Queen's Baton Relay, a much loved tradition of the Commonwealth Games, will reach the shores of Northern Ireland, where it will travel from Stormont to the Giant’s Causeway before finishing in Belfast and heading to Wales.
From the heights of Harland and Wolff to the peaks of the Mournes, the baton will travel the length and breadth of Northern Ireland. Over 288 days the baton will visit 71 nations and territories, cover 190,000 kilometers and will involve a third of the population, making it the world’s most engaging relay.
The baton symbolises the coming together of all Commonwealth nations and territories in preparation for the four-yearly festival of sport and culture. Throughout its journey it will be cheered through the towns, cities and communities before concluding its journey at the Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony on 23 July 2014.
Staff from SSE Airtricity will lend a helping hand at a number of community led sports events taking place acorss Northern Ireland next week. Staff will have the chance to meet a number of SSE's Next Generation athletes, as well as getting their hands on the Queens Baton.
The Northern Ireland Commonwealth Games Council’s Chef de Mission, Robert McVeigh, said “Planning is already well under way to celebrate the arrival of the Glasgow 2014 Queen’s Baton Relay in our community. The baton will visit numerous functions being held in local schools and sporting facilities and will involve past and present athletes. A special welcome ceremony is also planned to officially mark the arrival of the baton in Northern Ireland.”
Her Majesty the Queen will read her message aloud, bringing the baton’s journey to an end and declaring the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games open.