The Queen’s Baton Relay made its way through the local area last Saturday morning, stopping off for a brief visit at the Parramatta Auburn Netball Association (PANA).
Despite the wet weather, more than 50 kids and their parents descended on the Association’s netball courts at Wyatt Park in Percy Street, Auburn.
To celebrate the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England, from July 28 to August 8, the Queen’s Baton is currently on an epic journey across the Commonwealth – visiting a whopping 72 nations and territories.
Speaking with Parra News, PANA Junior Representative Coach and Baton Relay Organiser Amy Nolan said it was a wonderfully unique morning full of excitement.
“Even though it was raining, everyone still showed up and was really excited to be a part of it,” she said.
“As an Association, you don’t get to be a part of something so big very often, so we were definitely keen to be there and be involved.”
With netball one of the major sports at the upcoming Commonwealth Games, two NSW Swifts and Australian Diamond stars were also on hand last Saturday to welcome the Queen’s Baton to town.
Baton Bearers Paige Hadley and Sarah Klau were very busy taking photos with local players throughout the morning.
“Our young players loved having the Swifts stars there, they always do,” Nolan said.
“A lot of the children were excited and, even though they didn’t do the actual run because of the weather, Paige and Sarah had a great time being involved as Baton Bearers.”
Following its quick trip to Auburn last Saturday, the Queen’s Baton then made its way to Melbourne for a two-day stopover. The Baton is currently in Belize in Central America.
Troy Dodds is Parra News' Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.