Queen’s Commonwealth Games Baton arrives in Parramatta
Parramatta was the first Australian city where the Queen’s Baton visited in its journey around the globe en route to the opening of the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India, this October.
“I am extremely proud that Parramatta City Council has been invited to host the Queen’s Baton on its journey to the Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games,” said Lord Mayor of Parramatta, Cr Paul Garrard speaking on the occasion.
“It is a great honour for the city and testament to the positive cross-cultural relationships we have established in our community. The Relay will have visited over 70 countries by the time it reaches Delhi, and Parramatta will be one of only four Australian cities to have hosted a leg of that incredible journey.”
The morning began in Harris Park with Vedic Chanting presented by Sydney Ved Pathshala and traditional Indian dances followed by singing of Sanskrit Vedic hymn’s by BAPS temple volunteers.
The Baton was presented by Amol Nanak Singh aged 7 and Simran Kaur aged 11 who were the nominees from the Indian community living in Australia. Sheru, the Commonwealth Games mascot was also present on the stage when the Baton was handed over, along with Indian High Commissioner Sujatha Singh and other members from the Indian Commonwealth Games Committee. Indian High Commissioner, Sujatha Singh introduced the mascot of the Commonwealth 2010 Games, Sheru-the Friendly Tiger, who was happy on the stage and also waved at the cheerful audience. High Commissioner said, “You may have seen Sheru in comic book stories but this Sheru is a very friendly mascot” to a rapturous audience.
The Baton made its way to Parramatta Town Hall carried initially by a number of sporting heroes as well as local community members. The honour of the first leg from the Harris Park stage went to Parramatta’s Sportsperson of the Year, and wheel chair athlete Kristy Pond. She handed the baton over to NRL players Nathan Cayliss and Nathan Hindmarsh. Commonwealth Games road cycling champion Natalie Bates took the baton to Parramatta wharf where it was put on board a ferry bound for the Sydney Opera House.
The Queen’s Baton – which carries Queen Elizabeth II’s message to athletes passed through Parramatta on its epic journey on 19 April. By the time it reaches New Delhi for the October 3 opening ceremony, it would have travelled over 190,000 kilometres in 340 days.
To check more photographs visit the Gallery at http://rohitrevo.com.au/wp/gallery/
Similar Posts:
- Australian companies unhappy with non payment by CWG authorities
- AIMA looks ahead after its inaugural function
- AR Rahman concert draws big crowds in Parramatta
- Australian Alumni Excellence Awards 2011 Presented in India
- Morris Iemma Promises Again
