The Commonwealth Games 2022 Queen's Baton Relay has visited the Isle of Wight.
Carried by Islander, Nicholas Early, the baton arrived at Hovertravel's Ryde terminal, slightly later than expected, at around 8pm last night (Wednesday).
It spent less than an hour on the Isle of Wight, before leaving via ferry. Due to its late arrival, it meant the baton didn't make it down to Waterside Pool or Appley Tower.
(Nicholas Early with the Commonwealth Games baton. Picture by Sienna Anderson)
The Relay officially began its journey on October 7 2021, and by July 28 2022, it will have visited all 72 Commonwealth nations and territories, bringing cultures and communities together in the lead up to Birmingham 2022.
(Picture by Sienna Anderson)
Nicholas, 20, said it was a huge honour to carry the baton to the Island:
"I was a bit taken back when we arrived on the Island, seeing people all welcoming us.
"It was an incredible honour to be chosen for the Island. I've had a few illnesses over the years and have done a lot of fundraising for charity. I think I was nominated by three different sources - and I was the one they picked."
The Commonwealth Games take place in Birmingham from July 28 - August 8.
WATCH: THE COMMONWEALTH GAMES BATON ARRIVES ON THE ISLAND
Commonwealth Games 2022 Baton Relay arrives on the Isle of Wight 🔥
Posted by Isle of Wight Radio on Wednesday, July 6, 2022
Chair of the Isle of Wight Council, Councillor Claire Critchison, gave an address to mark the arrival of the baton bearer.
She said:
"I'd like to welcome the Queen's Baton to the Isle of Wight, on its journey around the world to the games in Birmingham.
"I am very pleased to welcome Queens' Baton Bearer Nicholas Earley, and thank him for volunteering in this role.
"The Island is proud to be represented at the Commonwealth Games by champion discus thrower Nick Percy, a Bonchurch man, and we are joined today by some of our competitors for the Island Games, taking place next year in Guernsey.
"I thank Bob Seely our MP for his efforts to help get the baton to the Island; and Hovertravel for assisting with a special service to get our baton bearer safely here for us to meet him."
Mr Seely said:
“I’m absolutely delighted our bid to bring the Queen’s Baton to the Isle of Wight has been successful.
“I would like to thank the organisers of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games for including the Island in the baton’s journey and for recognising the Island’s place in the Commonwealth.
“There is an appetite for sport here – we have some very talented sportsmen and sportswomen competing at an international level, and, later this year, the Island will host the final leg of the UK's most prestigious cycle race - the Tour of Britain.
“I hope both of these events will positively impact on the lives of our young people, inspiring them to follow their dreams."
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