Forge Batonbearer For Queen's Baton Relay

We are delighted to announce that one of our year 9 students has been selected as a Batonbearer for the Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay.

Marcus Galli will carry the Baton in the West Midlands on the 25th July. Along with thousands of other Batonbearers, he will take part in this once in a lifetime opportunity and carry the Baton as it continues its epic journey around England.

The Baton will be on the move during the celebration of the Platinum Jubilee which takes place from the 2nd June to the 5th June 2022. It will then conclude by arriving in Birmingham on 28th July, having completed its 29-day stint in England, for the Opening Ceremony of the Commonwealth Games.

As part of the 29-day stint and after the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, the Baton will go on to the Falkland Islands, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. It will return to England on the 4th July and will cover around 2,500 miles of the UK as it tours Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. As part of its tour of England, the baton will visit Cornwall’s Eden Project; the Lake District; Blackpool Tower and venues from the 2012 London Olympics as well as Manchester’s Commonwealth Games locations from 2002.

On its final 11 days, the baton will travel through the West Midlands. It will visit the Black Country Living Museum in Dudley; Chasewater in Staffordshire and a stretch of the River Severn where it is set to be transported by coracle (a lightweight boat traditionally used in Wales).

Head of year 9 at Forge, Anthony Hickinbottom, said: “Everyone at Forge is so proud that Marcus will be representing us as part of this illustrious event, this is a moment that will live forever for him and his family.

“Marcus has made a big contribution to the Academy PE leadership programme becoming a PE Ambassador at the start of the year. Marcus aids student development through coaching, assisting and assessing students in lessons. Further to this Marcus has immersed himself in the school’s whole school enrichment programme, leading his own futsal club at a lunch time. He’s a credit to Forge.

“His selection as a baton bearer is much deserved and from everyone at Forge would like to wish Marcus all the best for the Baton relay and hope he enjoys what will surely be an unforgettable experience.“

Batonbearers have been selected in all nine regions of England and embody the diversity in communities across the country. From local heroes to inspirational school children, the Batonbearers come from all walks of life, backgrounds and vary in age – with children as young as 12 taking part.