WBO World Welterweight boxing champion Jeff Horn carried the Queens Baton into South Bank on Saturday adding another title to his name, Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Batonbearer. The baton was carried into the South Bank Cultural Forecourt during an event celebrating its arrival, headlined by Aria award winning singer Josh Pyke, marking day 96 of the baton’s journey across Australia. The celebration also featured a Welcome to Country and indigenous performance by Nunukul, African drums by Rwanda Cultural Group and music from young local talent Felicity Kircher.
Joining Jeff Horn in taking the baton through Brisbane was Matilda’s co-captain Clare Polkinghorne, Commonwealth Games multi gold medalist Bronte Barratt, and nominated community members. Jeff Horn said it was a great privilege to bring the baton into South Bank. “Being one of just 3,800 people across Australia who have the privilege of carrying the Queen’s Baton is something I’ll always remember,” Jeff said. “To do it here in Brisbane, my hometown, the city where I had the greatest triumph of my career and in front of my family and friends, makes it even more special.”
Locals were able to meet the batonbearers and celebrate the baton’s journey across Brisbane during the Easter weekend. Celebrations took place at Brighton, Sandgate, Chermside, Milton, Toowong, Sherwood, Holland Park, Kangaroo Point and New Farm. The baton carries a message from Queen Elizabeth II inside, which will officially open the Commonwealth Games. Starting its journey in London’s Buckingham Palace the baton has traveled more than 230,000 kilometers across 70 Commonwealth countries.
The baton will arrive at Carrara Stadium on Wednesday 4 April for the Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony.
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