The Commonwealth Counbtdown truly begins with Batonbearers confirmed

The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games has today confirmed the thousands of inspirational people from communities across England who will take on the role of Batonbearer in the Queen’s Baton Relay this summer.

During its tour of Commonwealth nations and territories, the Queen’s Baton will arrive back in England on 2 June 2022 for a four-day visit to London, coinciding with The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Central Weekend, before resuming the international journey. It later returns to England on 4 July to commence a 25-day tour across all remaining regions. The Relay will culminate at the Alexander Stadium on 28 July for the Opening Ceremony, where the Queen’s Message will be read aloud, signifying the official start of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Today, nine of the confirmed community Batonbearers came together at the Alexander Stadium, where the Relay will reach its finale following a month of celebrations across the country. The Batonbearers included:

1. CJ Lloyd-Webley, West Midlands
2. Yasmin Hussain, London
3. Samuel Russell-Pierce, South West
4. Freya Levy, East of England
5. Amdani Juma, East Midlands
6. Harleen Kaur, Yorkshire & The Humber
7. Nicola Wood, North East
8. Lyndon Chatting-Walters, North West
9. Anna Grace Taylor, South East

Lisa Hampton, Head of the Queen’s Baton Relay, said:“Our journey through England is an important one. Not only is it the finale to an epic international journey spanning eight months, but it’s an opportunity to engage with and celebrate individuals who work hard to ensure their community is a special place. 

Each Batonbearer has been notified on which day and in which region they will carry the Baton, which will be on one of the following dates:

• London – Thursday 2 June – Monday 6 June
• South West – Monday 4 July – Tuesday 5 July
• South East – Wednesday 6 July – Thursday 7 July
• East of England – Friday 8 July – Saturday 9 July
• East Midlands – Sunday 10 July – Monday 11 July
• Yorkshire & The Humber – Tuesday 12 July – Wednesday 13 July
• North East – Thursday 14 July – Friday 15 July
• North West – Saturday 16 July – Sunday 17 July
• West Midlands – Monday 18 July – Thursday 28 July

Here’s a little insight into our region’s Batonbearer:

Growing up on the Lyndhurst Estate in Erdington, CJ was aware of the levels of crime that persisted within his neighbourhood. As a young boy, he was keen to avoid this culture and soon discovered, through taking on a role within his school’s production of Oliver Twist, that he could channel his energy via acting and performance. 

As well as being an acclaimed writer and director, CJ is also a social entrepreneur. In 2020 he founded The Black Pounds Project. Based in the West Midlands, the company runs a mentorship programme, offering support to freelancers, sole-traders, and start-ups. The Black Pounds Project has offered support to many black and diverse business owners, helping them launch and develop careers. 

He has been selected as a Batonbearer for the West Midlands for taking on challenges and making a positive impact within his community. 

CJ himself commented: “I am so honored to have been chosen as a Batonbearer for the West Midlands. Being able to carry the Baton in my home area is so special, the anticipation is really ramping up for the Queen’s Baton Relay and Birmingham 2022, I’m thrilled I get to play a part in it” 

The Baton is currently visiting the Cayman Islands, which is the Baton’s 50th destination out of 72. In the last 30 days, the Baton has visited Australia, Belize, Guyana, Grenada, The Bahamas and Turks & Caicos.

For more information on the Queen’s Baton Relay, visit www.birmingham2022.com/qbr.