The Queen’s Baton Relay spent four days in Canada, the largest country in the Commonwealth and the nation that held the first Commonwealth Games in 1930.
On 26 May, the Baton was taken to visit McMaster University, partner institute to University of Birmingham, Official Partner of the international sector of the Queen’s Baton Relay, where McMaster staff and students, sportspeople and schoolchildren had the special opportunity of carrying the Baton around the campus. During the Relay, the university highlighted the research they do, including work on healthy aging and air pollution.
The Baton’s next stop along the route was a celebration of life event Hamilton City Hall for Chris Cutler, mayoral advisor, community activist and former politician. Mr Cutler had been very involved and supportive of Hamilton’s bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games.
The day continued with an event at VisitBritain in Toronto, which Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and Glynn Purnell, Michelin starred chef, attended. The event was hosted by Birmingham 2022’s Business and Tourism Programme and celebrated the culture and business opportunities in the West Midlands. The first day ended with a visit to the Royal Commonwealth Society.
Activities on the second day kicked off at the Canadian Sport Institute Ontario (CSIO), where Team Canada athletes and hopefuls had the once-in-a-lifetime chance to interact with the Baton.
In the evening, the Baton was present for a welcome reception hosted by Longines, Official Partner of the Queen’s Baton Relay.
On 28 May, the Baton visited the Sport for Newcomers Initiative at the David Braley Athletic Centre, where attendees could try their hand at badminton and heard an impassioned speech by Brian MacPherson, CEO of Commonwealth Sport Canada.
That afternoon, the Baton was taken to Canada Games Park where members of the community had the opportunity to carry the Baton around the track. The event was full of activities to celebrate the Relay- including a mascot race!
In the evening, the Queen’s Baton was introduced in the pre-football game show at Tim Horton’s Field, giving all the spectators a chance to witness the Relay.
On the final day in Canada, the Baton was taken to visit Niagara Falls, where boxing Commonwealth Games medallists Mandy Bujold and Mike Strange carried the Baton with pride and took in the spectacular views.
