A number of the region’s most giving have received a “once in a lifetime” opportunity.
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Rory McKenzie and Gloria Pascoe are two of 13 Wagga residents set to carry the Queen’s baton for the 2018 Commonwealth Games next year.
They follow a tradition 60-years old as they carry Her Majesty’s message to athletes across the country.
Former St John’s Ambulance volunteer and Army reservist Mr McKenzie is remembered for his Lockhart-to-Bourke walk when he was just 15-years old.
Money raised across his 700-kilometre trek was given to the Fred Hollows Foundation.
The 24-year-old was selected as one of 1800 batonbearers, joining the Relay as it travels to 83 communities over 33 days.
Mr McKenzie said he was overwhelmed and looked forward to carrying the baton across the region.
“It’s a very big honour,” Mr McKenzie said.
“I’ve had friends who have done it before … so I was stoked to see I was nominated.”
Mr McKenzie will join Ms Pascoe, a Cancer Council and Ronald McDonald House volunteer, and a member of the Lions Club.
Minister for the Commonwealth Games Kate Jones said the batonbearers were in for the experience of a lifetime - one they will cherish for the rest of their lives.
Wagga’s chosen batonbearers – listed below – were officially announced on Wednesday, October 18.
- Andrea Arragon
- Ian Begg
- Daniel Beresford
- Narelle Buckingham
- Sarah Carter
- William Jacob
- Rory McKenzie
- Gloria Pascoe
- Heather Pentland
- Stephen Pike
- Carly Salmon
- Wilma Skipper
- Steven Wilson