The Queen’s Baton spent four days in Northern Ireland from 24-27 June. On the first day, the Baton was taken to visit a variety of healthcare and support centres to closely engage with chosen communities.
Firstly, the Baton visited Air Ambulance NI to celebrate the emergency crews and hear the stories of those who have benefitted from the service; which was followed by a visit to the 1825 Project, which aims to support young people in contributing to community development and helping them become future community leaders. The next stop was Craigavon Area Hospital to celebrate the efforts of local healthcare workers throughout the pandemic. Team Northern Ireland took the opportunity to unveil a ‘Thank you’ banner for the staff.
The final stops of the day were the Men’s Shed, which brings together isolated older men to develop their skills in a range of arts-based activities, and the Wave Trauma Centre to highlight the amazing work they do supporting trauma survivors.
The following day, Batonbearers visited Portrush East Strand and took on different ways of carrying the Baton, including mountain biking, open water swimming, and kayaking! Later on, Batonbearers visited Giant’s Causeway, the country’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site. The next stop along the Relay was to Manchester United Foundation’s cross-community sport programme, which aims to support development and future opportunities for young people. The final stop of the day was Granaghan Resource Centre to visit the Gran Quilters, a local sewing group.
On day three, Batonbearers paddled across Donaghadee Harbour before visiting Exploris Aquarium, to promote the environmental work carried out by the aquarium. Portia Sampson took on the role of Batonbearer and held the Baton surrounded by the penguins she cares for at the aquarium. Next the Hiking Hens, a women’s walking group, relayed the Baton around Kilbroney Park. The day ended at Linen Mill Studios, which celebrates Northern Irelands history in cinema.
The final day in Northern Ireland saw the Baton visit the Sports Institute to interact with the practitioners behind Team Northern Ireland and the high-performance sporting sector. The remainder of the day was spent visiting social enterprises such as Footprint’s Women’s Centre, East Belfast Mission Meals on Wheels Programme, and Orchardville, which provides employment opportunities for young people with disabilities. The Baton was also taken to visit Fane Street Primary School, where there was a variety of sport activities put on for the pupils to have a go at.
