Published on : Saturday, May 24, 2014
There was great excitement in the city yesterday as local youngsters welcomed the official symbol of the Commonwealth Games to Derry, carried in fitting sporting style up the River Foyle by local tri-athlete Aileen Reid (nee Morrison).
The Queen’s Baton was conveyed up river in a special flotilla led by the Olympic contender, who represented Team Ireland in the 2012 Games, and who is expecting to compete with Team N. Ireland in the Women’s Triathlon event at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in July.
Aileen held the Baton containing the royal message for the Commonwealth countries as an eight-man rowing team carried it by boat from the reception point at Lisahally along the river to Prehen Boathouse, where a series of events took place throughout the afternoon, including a Kids Duathlon.
Speaking after the arrival of the Baton, the Mayor of Derry, Councillor Martin Reilly, said: “The Commonwealth Games is a hugely inspirational sporting event for young people, and it’s obvious from the number of children taking part in today’s Duathlon that there is a real passion for sports in the city,” he said afterwards.
‘I would like to pay tribute to athletes such as Aileen Reid who continue to influence and inspire through their dedication and discipline, and welcome the Baton to the city as a symbol of sporting excellence and achievement. I hope everyone will enjoy this year’s Games, and that a new generation of young athletes will aspire to someday become Commonwealth champions.’
The relay event is a traditional part of the Commonwealth Games celebrations, and is a symbol of the unity between the nations and territories of the British Commonwealth. Its final arrival in Glasgow this year officially marks the beginning of the 2014 Games on July 23.
The Queen’s Baton began its journey on October 9 2013 at Buckingham Palace, where the Queen of England placed her message for the people of the Commonwealth inside, and over 288 days the baton will have been carried across 190,000 kilometres, visiting 77 nations and territories. As well as the special message the Baton contains granite gemstones which are gifted to each Commonwealth Games area or council which the baton visits, at the end of its journey.
Local children marked the occasion at Prehen Playing Fields with a special Duathlon featuring a 400 metre run, a 500 metre mountain bike ride and a further 400 metre run.
Source:- Derry Londoderry
Tags: derry londonderry
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