On Thursday 7 October, Preet Kaur Gill MP attended the launch of Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Queen’s Baton Relay. The launch saw Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II place Her message to the Commonwealth into the Baton, for it to be sealed and locked until it will be read out at the Games next year.
As MP for Edgbaston in Birmingham, Preet was invited to the launch of the Relay, to represent her constituents and be a part of the incredible 294-day journey through all nations and territories of the Commonwealth. During the Games, the constituency will host several cultural and sporting events including the hockey, squash and women’s T20 and will also be the base for the New Zealand House at Edgbaston Golf Club.
Preet Kaur Gill MP said, “It’s an honour to be able to see the Baton start its journey around the world. Now, more than ever, it is so important that we join together with those from across the Commonwealth to connect communities, embrace different cultures and share this message of hope.
“I am so excited for the Baton’s return to Birmingham which will mark the start of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and put our city at the centre of the world stage.”
Preet attended the launch, alongside more than 70 young people from Birmingham who lined the stage and held flags from all the nations and territories of the Commonwealth. This included one student from King Edward Five Ways in Bartley Green, who is part of Birmingham City Council’s Youth City Board.
Also, in attendance will be one of Edgbaston’s Hometown Heroes, Joan Hunter and Professor Francis Pope from the University of Birmingham. Professor Pope and his team played a pivotal role in the creation of the baton.
Professor Francis Pope said: “We’re proud to see the Baton embark on its global journey, having provided scientific advice on creating its hi-tech ‘lungs’ that will capture atmospheric data as the Queen’s Baton Relay travels the world.
“The data collected will be highly valuable in starting important conversations around air quality across the Commonwealth and particularly relevant to our ongoing research partnerships in East Africa and India, where we’re investigating the impact of air quality on citizens.”
ENDS
Additional Information:
The University of Birmingham is an Official Partner of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, having signed the most comprehensive university partnership agreement in the history of the Games. As part of this, the University of Birmingham is the Official Partner of the Queen’s Baton Relay - International Leg as the ceremonial baton travels through Commonwealth nations and territories in the build-up to the Games.