A dedicated group of health staff will be on the national stage next week after being selected as Baton Bearers for the 2018 Commonwealth Games Queen’s Baton Relay.
Top End Health Service, Divisional Support Officer for Women Children and Youth, Jackie Edwards was selected for her outstanding contribution to community sport in the Top End and will proudly carry the baton next Friday.
“I am so thrilled to have been selected as a bearer, I have always had passion for sport and it’s a true honour to be running in the relay and to be part of an event that brings the nation together,” she said.
“I have always had an active involvement in community sport and being able to foster kids at any level has been very rewarding and is something I will continue for as long as I can.
“After winning a silver medal for the Triathlon Team Event at the Arafura Games I discovered my love of triathlons and continued to compete locally in my latter years, so the track and field events will definitely be a highlight for me this year.”
Jackie was also nominated for her significant contribution to cancer research after raising a phenomenal $35,000 as her son battled blood cancer 2015. Riding 1100kms in 2014 and 2015 she also raised $15,000 for children’s cancer charity Kick Cancer’s Butt.
Central Australia Health Service staff from Alice Springs Hospital are also participating in the relay with Retrieval Service Director Dr Richard Johnson and Nursing Director Maternity, Adult and Paediatrics Debra Gray running on 28 February and 1 April.
Dr Richard Johnson is a self-confessed sports nut and is excited and nervous to be participating in the baton relay.
“Having emigrated from the UK and being a complete sports nut, I think the opportunity to be involved in a small way in such a big event it is amazing that the Commonwealth Games brings people together from all over the world and demonstrates the positive community effect that sport engagement has,” he said.
“Having competed regionally in athletics as a younger bloke and having great memories of being a kid in summer back in the UK, setting the TV up outside on the lawn and watching guys like Seb Coe, Steve Cramm and Steve Ovett, I have to say I will be watching the track and field closely.”
You can support our dedicated health staff by cheering them on at the sideline.
Dr Richard Johnson will be carrying the baton on 28 February, 5:18pm on Bath St between Stuart Terrace and Stott Terrace.
Jackie Edwards will carry the baton on 2 March, 12:20 pm on Budgen St, Moil NT.
Debra Gray will be carrying the baton on 1 March, 9:30am on Memorial Avenue on the corner of Adamson Avenue.
Media contact: Rickie Abraham 0419 818 414