BORDERER Sarah Robertson was selected to be a Commonwealth Games ‘Batonbearer’ last week as Her Majesty The Queen accompanied by The Earl of Wessex officially launched the Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay in a unique ceremony held at Buckingham Palace.

The Scotland and Team GB Hockey star who formerly played for the Reivers at Tweedbank was joined by a number of Batonbearers made up of athletes who will be competing in next year’s Games, young flagbearers from the West Midlands, the Birmingham 2022 Hometown Heroes and representatives from across the Commonwealth.

Four-time Paralympic gold medallist, Kadeena Cox, had the honour of being the first Batonbearer to receive the Baton from The Queen, marking the official start of the 16th Queen’s Baton Relay.

Further Batonbearers at the ceremony included athletes from Team England and artistic gymnast Alice Kinsella, Team Northern Ireland cyclist Mark Downey, Team England squash player Declan James and Team Wales boxer Lauren Price.

The Queen’s Baton Relay is a tradition that celebrates, connects and excites communities from across the Commonwealth during the build up to the Games.

The Queen’s Baton will now visit all 72 nations and territories of the Commonwealth for 294 days, covering 140,000 kilometres.

The global journey will conclude at the Opening Ceremony of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games on 28 July 2022.

Lord Lieutenant of the West Midlands, John Crabtree OBE, Chairman of Birmingham 2022, said: “The Queen’s Baton Relay will convey a message of hope and inspiration and will connect peoples from across the Commonwealth during the build-up to the Games and as we look to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. This journey champions the miracle of difference, the individuality of humanity, yet speaks to a collective collaboration of a global community.”

Sarah picked up a bronze medal with Team GB at the summer Olympic Games in Tokyo.