Congleton resident and former Olympic and Commonwealth medallist Ann Brightwell (nee Packer) will be one of the Baton Bearers when the Queen’s Commonwealth Baton visits Congleton on Saturday May 31.
Ann is the president of a group called ‘Team Congleton’ which formed in 2010 ahead of the Olympic Games to bringing Congleton people together to have fun and create new opportunities through championing sport. The work to champion sport has continued with the launch of exciting plans to develop an Ann Packer Sporting Centre at Eaton Bank Academy in Congleton.
Congleton Town Mayor, Cllr George Hayes, said; “’I am delighted to learn of the exciting announcement from Commonwealth England, regarding Ann Brightwell MBE having the honour of carrying the Commonwealth Baton through Congleton. Both Mr and Mrs Brightwell are not only successful former Olympians, but also work incredibly hard in the Congleton community to promote health and well-being.’
Commenting on the invitation to carry the Baton, Ann Brightwell said: “I am honoured to be asked to carry the Commonwealth Baton when it comes to Congleton. It promises to be a very special, exciting day for the town with lots of free activities planned and some national sports stars attending. I hope that many of the thousands who lined the streets of Congleton in May 2012 for the Olympic Torch will apply for free tickets to attend the Commonwealth Baton event. The Commonwealth Games is also known as ‘The Friendly Games’ and I believe that Congleton will give everyone a true flavour of that friendly Commonwealth spirit on Saturday 31 May.
The Baton will be in Congleton for a couple of hours during a four-hour celebration of sport and the community taking place in Congleton Park, Hankinson’s Field and Congleton Leisure Centre on Saturday 31 May from 11am – 3pm.
Congleton and Manchester are the only two venues in the North West receiving a Commonwealth Baton Visit. Thousands of people are expected to attend – and entry will be via a free ticket which will be available on-line from 22 April – see www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/sports for details.
