Molly-Rose Parry of Alexandra Hills has described her selection as a Commonwealth Games baton bearer the best experience she’s ever had.
At age 16, Molly-Rose was the youngest to carry the baton around Melbourne, taking it around Soldier’s Reserve oval at Werribee on February 13.
“The kids were all lined up around the oval and I got to show it (the baton) to them. It was amazing to have had the opportunity to do this,” she said.
A TAFE student at Alexandra Hills, Molly-Rose was put forward by her teacher for her dedication to her studies while balancing her representative sporting career as an Australian U17 Futsil champion. Molly-Rose said she studies her regular senior schooling on Mondays and Wednesdays and a certificate 3 in fitness on Fridays.
Molly-Rose has represented Australia for the past four years, using TAFE’s alternative pathways to achieve her senior certificate.
Molly Rose said she was honoured to be recognised by her peers and thrilled to have had the opportunity to take part in the longest relay in history.
“I’m honoured and incredibly grateful to have been nominated by my teachers – it’s a real privilege and something that totally surprised me,” she said.
“My teachers have always supported my endeavours, and to be able to take part in the QBR and to be a part of such a major sporting event throughout Australia and the Commonwealth is very exciting.”
TAFE Queensland Brisbane Region General Manager, Dr Paul Wilson said he was excited to see Molly-Rose represent TAFE Queensland as a baton bearer.
“Baton bearers are people that inspire others to be great, and we’re very excited to have had Molly-Rose participate in the Queen’s Baton Relay,” he said.
“She is a great example of someone who has achieved greatness in their field, and is a fantastic representative for our region and our state.
Dr Wilson said as the Official Training Partner for the Games, TAFE Queensland was training 15,000 volunteers to provide them with the skills needed to make a great Games.
“We are extremely proud to have been chosen as the training partner and we are working hand-in-hand with GOLDOC to provide the best training possible for the Games workforce to bring the Games to life,” he said.
The QBR celebrates the Commonwealth’s diversity, inspires community pride and excites people about the world-class festival of sports and culture to come.
The Queen’s Baton started its journey in Australia on December 25, 2017 travelling for 100 days and 40,000km to arrive on the Gold Coast in time for the GC2018 opening ceremony on April 4.