The Queen’s Baton spent two days in the Isle of Man. The Relay got off to a thrilling start with Batonbearers boarding a Viking longboat at Peel Quayside, in celebration of Celtic heritage.
After the water-based relay, Batonbearers took part in a beach clean up on Fenella Beach with coast clean-up group Beach Buddies, whose founder, Bill Dale, was specially selected to be a Batonbearer.
The next stop along the Relay was Castle Rushen, where Batonbearers were given a tour from the Free Masons. At Port Erin Train Station, Batonbearers were treated to performance from the Rushen Baton Twirlers.
The Honourable Alfred Cannan MHK, Chief Minister of the Isle of Man, and Basil Bielich, President of Commonwealth Games Isle of Man, welcomed the Baton at a reception held at the legislative buildings.
In the afternoon, Batonbearers visited Onchan Park, home to the Isle of Man Lawn Bowls team, and Manx Gymnastics Centre of Excellence, where gymnasts displayed their skills.
The Baton’s second day on the island got started at the National Sports Centre, where representatives from the Isle of Man boxing, badminton, and judo associations. Students from thirty primary schools came together to relay around the track, led by Sarah Webster and Rachael Franklin, members of Team Isle of Man athletics for Birmingham 2022.
Former boxer John Osborne, who was part of the first Manx team to compete at the Commonwealth Games, carried the Baton with pride during the Relay.
Charity fundraiser, Christian Varley, and Commonwealth Games medallist, Peter Kennaugh, ran with the Baton from the track to Tynwald Hill, where children from local schools relayed the Baton.
Next, the Baton toured Castledown and was paraded along the Port Erin promenade, which was followed by an open-water swim. At the Bowl Stadium, two Isle of Man Youth Squads showed off their skills in a short game before carrying the Baton around the grounds.
In the evening, members of the Isle of Man swim squad took on the Relay and passed the Baton around at the NSC swimming pool. The Relay ended with a gala dinner at Villa Marina.
