Games confirms inspirational list of Batonbearers
The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games has confirmed the inspirational people from communities across the West Midlands who will take on the role of Batonbearer in the Queen 's Baton Relay this summer, including writer, director and social entrepreneur CJ Lloyd Webley.
The Queen 's Baton will return home to the West Midlands on 18 - 28 July, in the final ten-day countdown to Birmingham 2022. The successful Batonbearers have been specially selected to represent the West Midlands and carry the Baton through local communities.
The confirmation of Batonbearers comes following the public nomination campaign in January 2022, from which approximately 8,000 nominations for were submitted. The callout was for inspirational people across nine regions of England who are always willing to take on a challenge and has a unique and inspiring story, have made a meaningful contribution to sport, education, the arts, culture, or charity, is a figure of inspiration that positively challenges others to achieve their best and has taken on a challenge or cause and made a positive impact within their community.
CJ Lloyd Webley, a confirmed Batonbearer for the West Midlands, grew up on the Lyndhurst Estate in Erdington. CJ was always aware of the levels of crime that persisted within his neighbourhood and, during his time at school and university, he found that there was a lack of representation, particularly in the plays they studied and performed.
Looking to tackle inequality and celebrate Black British history within the arts, he went on to forge a career in writing for the stage, from a socially conscious perspective, telling the stories of people within his own communities and walks of life.
CJ 's writing and projects have tackled men 's mental health, overlooked key workers during the Covid-19 pandemic, a worker 's experience on a construction site, Black inmates at Winson Green Prison and stories of immigration. These projects also prepared him to be assistant director on a verbatim project about the Grenfell Inquiry, where he hosted panel discussions with bereaved survivors.
As well as being an acclaimed writer and director, CJ is also a social entrepreneur. In 2020 he founded The Black Pounds Project which runs a mentorship programme, offering support to many black and diverse freelancers, sole-traders, and start-ups.
CJ said: “I am so honoured to have been chosen as a Batonbearer for the West Midlands. Being able to carry the Baton in my home area is so special, the anticipation is really ramping up for the Queen 's Baton Relay and Birmingham 2022, I 'm thrilled I get to play a part in it. ”
The Baton will travel through the West Midlands from Monday 18 July to Thursday 28 July.
Further details of Queen 's Baton Relay route will be revealed in May 2022.
Lisa Hampton, head of the Queen 's Baton Relay, said: “The Queen 's Baton Relay aims to excite and celebrate communities not only around the Commonwealth, but here in the host country of England. This journey would be nothing without the community of Batonbearers that bring the Relay to life. We 've seen it internationally, and we can 't wait to see it in England.
“Our journey through England is an important one. Not only is it the finale to an epic international journey spanning eight months, but it 's an opportunity to engage with and celebrate individuals who work hard to ensure their community is a special place. We want to showcase these awe-inspiring stories; celebrating the diversity of England 's communities and the people working hard to make a difference. ”
The Baton is currently visiting the Cayman Islands, which is the Baton 's 50th destination out of 72.
On its tour of Commonwealth nations and territories, the Queen 's Baton will arrive back in England on 2 June 2022 for a four-day visit to London, coinciding with The Queen 's Platinum Jubilee Central Weekend, before resuming the international journey.
For more information on the Queen 's Baton Relay, visit www.birmingham2022.com/qbr.
Pictured: Batonbearers in Singapore