Queen’s Baton Relay Review – Bristol
The Queen’s Baton is making its way around the UK before the Commonwealth Games this summer and stopped off in Bristol on Tuesday 3rd June. Its trip will see it cross 190,000 kilometres spanning 70 nations and territories. It will then make its way up to Glasgow for the opening of the 2014 Games on July 23rd.
Bristol City Council, aided by Wesport, put on 20 different sports along the harbour side right in the heart of Bristol for children and adults to take part in. The Queen’s Baton Relay was based across Anchor Square, Millennium Square, Lloyd’s Amphitheatre and Waterfront Square and was marshalled by a team of volunteers from 3pm-7pm.
The event opened in glorious sunshine which started off a perfect afternoon for the Wesport team who were on hand to entertain hundreds of school children. At each different sports station there were some of the UK’s top athletes ready to show off their skills and to teach children and adults about their sport. There were lots of talented children there too who took to the activities straight away and got introduced to many sports they wouldn’t usually get to play. Every child got a PasSport card to fill in after completing each sport to earn a certificate; with all leaving with a smile on their face.
Then from 3.30 onwards it was time for the adults to have a go. The most competitive areas were the hockey and general fitness stations with the adults trying to beat the records set earlier in the day. The Mayor of Bristol also came down to try his hand at short tennis but despite some good touches his medallion got in the way a bit. There were also photo opportunities for children and adults to have their picture taken with the Baton and the Team GB athletes.
There was the sound of laughter and joy ringing out across the harbour that afternoon and full credit must go to Hannah Davis and her team from Wesport along with the Bristol City Council and the Community Police for their hard work ensuring its success.
Now all were need it a good Team GB medal haul at the games in Scotland next month and for the day to inspire the next generation to compete internationally in years to come.
If you would like to find out more about Wesport then please click here. They carry out great work in getting people back into sport through their Try it, Love it, Live it campaign and will be able to provide links to clubs you can join. This is something M Tanner Sports will fully support in the future and look forward to their next big project.
