Nominations to find 2,022 'Batonbearers' for the Birmingham 2022 Queen's Baton Relay have opened today (January 11).

Organisers of the 2022 Commonwealth Games are looking for people with a unique and inspiring story to be nominated to carry the Queen's baton before the games begin next summer.

To mark the launch of the Batonbearer nominations a commemorative mural, designed by street artist Gent 48, has been unveiled by Kadeena Cox on Navigation Street in Birmingham.

The four-time Paralympic champion was the first Batonbearer to receive the Baton from the Queen at the launch of the relay at Buckingham Palace in October last year.

Kadeena Cox said: "I was incredibly proud to be the first Batonbearer at the launch of the Queen's Baton Relay last year, and it's now a real privilege to be in Birmingham to help launch the search to find even more Batonbearers across the country.

"The commemorative mural is amazing and perfectly captures the spirit of the games – it's been fantastic seeing the public's reaction today.

"The Queen's Baton Relay is a wonderful chance for people to get involved and nominate someone inspiring they know for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

The baton, which is currently travelling across the Commonwealth, will travel the length and breadth of the UK for 25 days before the relay officially ends at the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games on 28 July 2022.

Nominations can be made by visiting the Birmingham 2022 website and submitting 100 words or less on how the nominee is making a difference in your community and why they deserve to take on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

People are encouraged to nominate those who are always willing to take on a challenge, have a unique and inspiring story, are a figure of inspiration who positively challenges others to achieve their best, or is passionate about making a positive impact within their community.

Nominations are open for all nine regions of England, which is where the Baton will visit in summer and Batonbearers must be aged 12 or over as of the 2 June 2022.

The criteria for a Batonbearer is someone who meets one or more of the following:

- Always willing to take on a challenge and has a unique and inspiring story;

- Has 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;

- Has taken on a challenge or cause and made a positive impact within their community

Click here to nominate somebody.

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