By Margaret Maccoll
Clinton Stanley of Cooroy has represented Australia seven times, holds 79 Downs Syndrome world records, has been inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame and will carry the Commonwealth Games baton for the second time.
What makes it extra special this time is his mother Sue Stanley who founded Down Syndrome Swimming of Australia and has volunteered for disability sporting for 26 years will also carry the baton.
“I’m going to hand it to Clinton, my amazing boy,” she said.
The baton will be carried by an array of athletes and sporting notables including triathlete Emma Snowsill who is thrilled to be running a stretch on Noosa Main Beach where she has run in competition. More than 30 residents will carry the Queen’s Baton through Noosa on Monday 26 March as it makes its way by 4 April to the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast after passing through the hands of 3800 batonbearers throughout Australia.
The Noosa leg of the Queen’s Baton Relay, with its 7km route, will include two community celebrations – one at Read Park in Tewantin, and on Noosa Main Beach.
The Queen’s Baton will depart Tewantin’s Read Park at 3.52pm, arriving at Noosa Main Beach at 5.30pm.
“Road closures will be in place but residents are welcome to watch from the roadside anywhere along the course or attend the entertainment at Tewantin’s Read Park from about 3.15pm, prior to the baton’s departure,” Cr Joe Jurisevic said.
“Free entertainment will also be provided on Noosa Main Beach from 4.30-6.30pm, with the baton to arrive at 5.30pm.”
There will be free parking all day at Noosa District Sports Complex and a shuttle bus available to Read Park, Tewantin. There will be free parking at Noosa Heads Lions Park from noon-4.30pm and will reopen for vehicles to leave from 6-7.30pm. Parking will be available at Chaplin Park, Noosaville from noon-3.30pm to park and will reopen for vehicles to leave from 4.30pm-5.30pm.To find out where and when participants will run and more information visit www.noosa.qld.gov.au/queens-baton-relay
