The Commonwealth Games baton relay started in October 2021 on an epic journey across all 72 nations and territories of the Commonwealth and this coming week the baton comes to Staffordshire.
YMCA Burton CEO Paul Laffey was nominated and then selected to take part in the relay as a baton bearer and will complete his stretch in his home town in Uttoxeter on Wednesday 20th July.
Paul was nominated by YMCA staff member Connie, who said: “Paul has achieved so much at the helm of our YMCA and does a lot of voluntary work for, and within our local community. As our YMCA turns 135 years old this year we have reflected on all the work we, as a charity, have done in Burton-on-Trent and a lot of that work was with Paul leading us these past 22 years. As Paul bears the baton during the Queens platinum jubilee year, we are proud of all the work he has done and continues to do.”
Paul said: “I was very humbled to have been nominated and then chosen as a Commonwealth Games baton bearer. It will be an honour to carry the baton for my local area and to be involved in such an auspicious occasion; in the queens platinum jubilee year and our YMCAs 135th year – it truly is, a once in a lifetime experience and one I will cherish and complete with pride.”
The baton’s East Staffordshire leg is on Wednesday 20th July, going from Uttoxeter, Burton-on-Trent, Lichfield, Burntwood, Chasewater and Tamworth.
For more information on where you can see the baton, visit: https://www.birmingham2022.com/queens-baton-relay/route/england
