The Queen’s Baton passed through Moree hands during its epic journey to the Gold Coast ahead of the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
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Frank Crump, Michelle Dunlop and Ron Clissold were given a once-in-a-lifetime experience on Wednesday as they had the honour of carrying the baton when the Queen’s Baton Relay made its way through Gunnedah.
The three Moree batonbearers were some of the 27 North West heroes who had the opportunity to carry the Queen’s Baton, which holds a message from the Queen to this year’s Commonwealth Games athletes.
For each of Moree’s three batonbearers, the experience was one they’ll never forget.
Frank’s recount of his experience:
“As it was being handed to me I was nervous, emotional and proud to carry it and yes I did the little sprint at the finish but very proud for everyone and everything I’ve been involved in for Moree, my friends and family and my partner and most of all my late mum who would been watching over me.
“The baton was very light and easy to hold.
“All over a great amount of persons came to watch with me; my family, partner Julie, and also listeners to my radio shows.
“In my mind I was thinking about how proud I felt to receive the baton. I was thinking of my mum also my family and the tears rolled down my face also the smile it was so very special the emotion to me.
“It was a 200m of thrill of my life to carry the Queen’s Baton in Gunnedah. What a day I’ll never forget! A big emotional five minutes of joy.”
Michelle’s recount of her experience:
“When we got to the collection point there was just rushes of adrenaline, so many different people in the same position as me and it was fantastic!
“I was number 36, by the time number 35 was getting off the bus to run, I was so excited!
“When I hopped off the bus all my family was there with their cameras.
“I had a brief last minute pep talk and then I had some photos.
“Once the baton approached us we took even more photos and then the leg began.
“It was a full-on rush of adrenaline, excitement and everything else.
“After what seemed like nothing I handed the baton to Sarah Jane Bonner.
“More photos and cheering and the next bus came to pick me up.
“This was unforgettable and a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
Ron’s recount of his experience:
“It was an honour to be given the opportunity to carry the Queen’s Baton as part of the relay team at Gunnedah on Wednesday, as the baton makes its way to the Gold Coast for the Commonwealth Games.
“It was a day of celebration for most sports and I was proud to be part of it.
“I was nervous; my run leg was on the oval in front of hundreds of school children, then on the road for about 200 metres where lots of family and friends lined the road.
“It was a great day, thanks to everyone who came along.”
From Gunnedah, the Queen’s Baton Relay headed to Tamworth before making its way to Armidale, Bellingen and Coffs Harbour on Thursday.
Approximately 3,800 batonbearers will carry it through every state and territory in Australia before it arrives on the Gold Coast for the XXI Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony on April 4, 2018.
The Prince of Wales will then remove Her Majesty’s message from the baton and read it aloud to declare the Games open.