Published on 25/07/2022
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Aston University Batonbearers
  • Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games is staging the 16th official Queen’s Baton Relay
  • Thousands of inspirational people selected to carry the Queen’s Baton as it visits every region of England this summer
  • Dr Angela Jeffery, Gurpal Singh Rai, Balraj Purewal and Camiquea Bryce were nominated by Aston University.

The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games has confirmed the thousands of inspirational people from communities across England who will ‘take it on’ as the role of Batonbearers in the Queen’s Baton Relay this summer.

Dr Angela Jeffery, Gurpal Singh Rai, Balraj Purewal and Camiquea Bryce are amongst those from Aston University who have made it onto the list of over 2,000 specially nominated community heroes.

The Games received over 8,000 public nominations that were reviewed by regional selection panels made up of representatives from youth organisations, charities, universities, community leaders, and representatives from local authorities.

During its tour of Commonwealth nations and territories, the Queen’s Baton arrived back in England on 2 June for a four-day visit to London, coinciding with The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Central Weekend, before resuming the international journey.

It later returned to England on 4 July to commence a 25-day tour across all remaining regions.

The Relay will culminate at the Alexander Stadium on 28 July for the Opening Ceremony, where the Queen’s message will be read aloud, signifying the official start of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Gurpal Singh Rai said:

“I was so pleased to hear that I had been nominated to be a Batonbearer at B2022 in recognition of my work within the Community and even more excited to hear that I was selected!

“I am looking forward to taking part in the build up to the Games and feel privileged to be carrying the baton in Birmingham.”

For full details of the Queen’s Baton Relay see the B2022 website.

Notes to Editors

About Aston University

Founded in 1895 and a university since 1966, Aston is a long-established university led by its three main beneficiaries – students, business and the professions, and our region and society. Aston University is in Birmingham and at the heart of a vibrant city and the campus houses all the university’s academic, social and accommodation facilities for our students. Saskia Loer Hansen is the interim Vice-Chancellor & Chief Executive.

Aston University was named University of the Year 2020 by The Guardian and the University’s full time MBA programme has been ranked in the top 100 in the world in the Economist MBA 2021 ranking. The Aston MBA has been ranked 12th in the UK and 85th in the world.

For media inquiries in relation to this release, contact Sam Cook, Press and Communications Manager, on (+44)74469 10063 or email: s.cook2@aston.ac.uk

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About the Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay

Birmingham 2022 is hosting the 16th official Queen’s Baton Relay – a journey which brings together and celebrates communities in every corner of the Commonwealth ahead of Birmingham 2022.

The Baton is currently on an epic journey across the Commonwealth, where it is visiting Europe, Africa, Asia, Oceania, the Caribbean, and the Americas. It will return to England in June 2022 for the final countdown to the Commonwealth Games.

The Queen’s Baton will travel around England for 25 days, before the Relay officially ends at the Opening Ceremony of the Commonwealth Games on 28 July 2022. The Queen’s Baton Relay is a Games tradition that celebrates, connects and excites communities from across Commonwealth during the build up to the Games.

This collective journey willignite hope,solidarityand collaboration for the next generation, with these stories leaving us all inspiredto take on the challenges that matter most to us.

For more information, visit birmingham2022.com/qbr

 

Sue Smith,
Head of Press and Communications

 

Sam Cook,
Press and Communications Manager

 

Nicola Jones,
Press and Communications Manager

 

Helen Tunnicliffe,
Press and Communications Manager

 

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