Celebrate the spirit of the Games

Bermuda is prepped for its prestigious leg of the Commonwealth Games Queen’s Baton Relay — and the Bermuda Olympic Association is urging the public to get involved.

Bermuda is stop 60 of the 71 Commonwealth nations the baton will visit as it continues its journey from Buckingham Palace to this year’s Games venue in Glasgow, Scotland.

After arriving on Friday, April 26, the baton will be taken around some of the island’s key spots and landmarks during a programme of events that will feature the island’s five Commonwealth medallists.

Judy Simons, BOA president, said the relay was an historic moment for Bermuda, which has competed in 16 Games since 1930, and she believes the island’s youngsters can gain inspiration from taking part.

She said: “I think with us using all of our medallists this year, we hope that for the youngsters who participate, it helps to inspire them  to reach for their goals in the future — that’s what sport is all about.

“They look up to the Nicky Saunders and Brian Wellmans, who have done so much for Bermuda. These youngsters are our future, not only in the sporting world but as citizens of our country; the Queen’s Baton Relay travelling the world should inspire the youth.”

Robert Horton, who has led the organisation of the relay events, added: “The emphasis on young people will certainly be seen in their presence as the baton travels around Bermuda — they will feature as baton bearers and you will see them running and you’ll see them involved in all kinds of activities the weekend the baton is here.”

The relay will give Bermuda worldwide coverage and Simons said it’s important for its status as a sporting nation that the relay events are embraced and celebrated. She said: “The Commonwealth Games is one of the four major festivals that we participate in and the national sports governing bodies use this as a stepping stone to the final qualifications towards the Olympics in 2016, so it is very important and we place great emphasis on it.”

Bermuda expects to take a party of around 35 athletes to Scotland, a number of whom go with hope of adding to the island’s total of five medals.

“To be honest, anything is possible,” Simons told the Bermuda Sun. “There is some potential there — without naming names. We are always looking for someone to medal.”