100 DAYS TO GO UNTIL GLASGOW 2014 - QUEEN’S BATON RELAY COMING TO CANADA

First stop on the Canadian stage of its journey is Rideau Hall, the official residence of the Governor General of Canada, on April 28th

 April 14, 2014, OTTAWA – The Glasgow 2014 Queen’s Baton Relay comes to Canada April 28thto May 2nd, visiting thousands of Canadians with stops in Ottawa, Toronto and Hamilton.

His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, will be the first host of the Queen’s Baton as he welcomes it to Rideau Hall, his official residence in Canada’s Capital. The Baton will spend a few days in Ottawa, before moving on to Toronto and then finishing off its Canadian visit in Hamilton, the birthplace of the Commonwealth Games (1930 British Empire Games).

The Queen’s Baton began its 190,000-kilometre journey to 70 nations and territories on October 9th, 2013 when Her Majesty first handed off the ceremonial baton to Scottish sprint legend Allan Wells. It has since continued its historic journey around the Commonwealth, calling the 4,500 athletes to Glasgow for the Games. Following its 288-day trek, the baton will return to The Queen at the Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony on July 23, 2014, where Her Majesty will remove Her message and read it aloud, officially declaring the Games open.

“Everyone loves the Queen’s Baton Relay, especially children”, said Commonwealth Games President HRH Prince Imran. “It brings with it a little of the excitement of the Games, and the unique magic of the Queen’s message. The Glasgow 2014 baton is a particularly fine design, one which reflects the wonderful creativity of the Scottish people and the natural beauty of Scotland. Wherever it goes it will also provide an excuse for a cracking ceilidh!”

Events along the Canadian portion of the Queen’s Baton Relay include:

  • Monday, April 28th- 9:30-11:30am - Governor General David Johnston welcomes the Baton to Rideau Hall
  • Monday, April 28th- 2:00-5:00pm - the Baton visits Parliament Hill, welcomed by Minister of State (Sport) Bal Gosal, MYCommonwealth and members of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association
  • Wednesday, April 30th- 10:30am - TORONTO 2015Pan Am / Parapan Am Games Organizing Committee (TO2015) and its mascot PACHI welcome the Queen’s Baton and CGC mascot Canoose the Goose to Toronto
  • Wednesday, April 30th, 4:00 - 6:00pm - the Queen’s Batonparticipates in the unveiling of the 2014 Canadian Team Uniformwith RMP at 99 Sudbury, Toronto
  • Thursday, May 1st, 10:30am - PrideHouseTO hosts the Baton’s “Relay of Inclusion”, a 1.5km relay culminating at The 519, Toronto’s PrideHouse
  • Thursday, May 1st, 1:00-4:00pm - British Council and Ryerson University host the Queen’s Baton Relay Schools Celebration as part of global initiative Commonwealth Class
  • Friday, May 2nd, the Baton completes its Canadian visit with a stop in Hamilton, birthplace of the Commonwealth Games.

Commonwealth Games athletes past and present will be involved in a number of these activities, and one of the events will include at least one athlete from each decade since the first Games were held in 1930.

"With today being the 100 day countdown to the Glasgow Games, excitement is beginning to build within the summer sport community, said Chantal Petitclerc, Chef de Mission of the Canadian Team in Glasgow. “The Queen's Baton Relay is a great way to begin the celebration of Commonwealth sport in Canada as our Canadian team prepares for the Glasgow 2014 Games. Knowing that the Baton has already travelled hundreds of thousands of kilometres before coming to Canada, touching young and old along the way, makes it even more special.”

Details on the various events held during the Queen’s Baton visit to Canada will be communicated individually.

ABOUT COMMONWEALTH GAMES CANADA

 Commonwealth Games Canada (CGC) is the franchise holder for the Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth movement in Canada, and an active, contributing member of the Canadian sport community. The mission of CGC is to strengthen sport within Canada and throughout the Commonwealth by participating in the Commonwealth Games and by using sport as a development tool. Visit www.commonwealthgames.cafor information.

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For additional information:

Sylvie Bigras
Communications Chief
Team Canada - Glasgow 2014
613 298 1625
sylvie@magma.ca