In October 2021, Queen Elizabeth II positioned a secret message contained in the Commonwealth Video games baton and handed it to British four-time Paralympic gold medallist Kadeena Cox.
It marked the beginning of a 294-day, 140,000-kilometre journey from Buckingham Palace to Birmingham, by means of 72 nations and territories.
The baton’s tour started within the arms of Her Majesty and led to these of her son, now King Charles III, who stepped in for the Queen, Patron of the Commonwealth Video games Federation (CGF), at July’s opening ceremony.
Dame Louise Martin now holds the position of CGF president, a title held by the late Prince Philip for greater than 30 years. Hers was one among many tributes that poured in as information of the Queen’s loss of life broke throughout the Commonwealth.
“It’s with profound sorrow that we study of the passing of our Patron, Her Majesty The Queen,” she mentioned.
“All through her lengthy life and reign, her extraordinary dedication and repair to the Commonwealth has been an inspiration to so many, together with all our Commonwealth Video games athletes and officers.
“Her Majesty’s imaginative and prescient for the Commonwealth as a various and united household of countries will proceed to encourage us – and can stay our mission and responsibility for the good thing about all athletes and communities, by means of the facility of sport.
“Our ideas and prayers are with His Majesty The King, The Queen Consort and all members of the Royal Household as we be a part of with residents throughout the Commonwealth in mourning her loss at this very unhappy time.”
It was a sentiment shared by Birmingham 2022 organising committee chair John Crabtree, who mentioned: “We pay tribute to her lifetime of service and her dedication to the Commonwealth and its shared values.
“The Queen was a staunch supporter of the Video games all through her reign, which encompassed 18 editions from Vancouver in 1954 to Birmingham in 2022, and her passing will probably be mourned by members and supporters the world over.”
Cox, in the meantime, tweeted her condolences twice, first writing, “OMG, RIP the attractive Queen” then, alongside footage from the baton relay, “Longest reigning monarch. Queen Elizabeth you was superb and at all times wore your lovely outfits along with your superb smile. So grateful I bought to fulfill you on a couple of event and be a part of your jubilee parade! Relaxation in paradise.”
The primary Commonwealth Video games—then known as the British Empire Video games—have been held in Hamilton, Ontario Canada in 1930.
A tweet from Commonwealth Sport Canada learn: “Immensely saddened to study of the passing of Commonwealth Video games Patron, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. @CwthSportCAN categorical our deepest sympathies and condolences to His Majesty The King, The Queen Consort and all Members of the Royal Household right now.”
The Nationwide Hockey League (NHL), in the meantime, posted a touching tribute to Her Majesty that includes footage from the Queen’s ceremonial puck drop at a 2002 contest between the Vancouver Canucks and San Jose Sharks.
Her Majesty was escorted down the pink carpet by NHL Corridor of Fame inductee Wayne Gretzky.
An announcement learn: “The Nationwide Hockey League mourns the passing and celebrates the exceptional lifetime of Queen Elizabeth II. She held a particular place within the hearts of Canadians and, throughout her 70-year-reign, linked with our sport in memorable methods.”
It was the primary NHL sport the Queen had attended since 1951 when, nonetheless a princess, she and Prince Philip watched the Montreal Canadiens tackle the New York Rangers.
As New Zealanders woke as much as the information of the Queen’s loss of life, The New Zealand Workforce Twitter account, which represents the nation’s Olympic and Commonwealth Video games Groups, posted: “We’re deeply saddened to study of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The New Zealand Olympic Committee ship their heartfelt condolences to the Royal Household and the folks of the UK. 1926 – 2022.”
Shortly after the announcement that Friday’s play of South Africa’s deciding Check in opposition to England, Cricket South Africa tweeted: “Cricket South Africa wish to prolong its deepest sympathies to the Royal Household, the UK and the Commonwealth at giant.
“We’re saddened by the loss of life of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Our ideas are with the entire Royal Household.”
Australia nationwide rugby union group the Wallabies, in the meantime, posted: “The Wallabies be a part of the remainder of the world in mourning the lack of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. R.I.P.”
