Queen’s Baton Relay
Birmingham 2022 Batonbearer
Representing East Staffordshire and the Burton region in the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Queen’s Baton Relay.
- Date
- 20 July 2022
- Representing
- East Staffordshire & Burton
- Event
- Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games
Commonwealth Games · East Staffordshire
Queen’s Baton Relay — Commonwealth Games 2022
In July 2022, Sajid Rashid was selected to represent East Staffordshire and the Burton region as a Queen’s Batonbearer for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Queen’s Baton Relay.
A proud Burton man and community philanthropist who had previously been honoured by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for his selfless service to others, Sajid described the opportunity as an overwhelming and deeply personal honour.
On Wednesday, 20 July 2022, Sajid carried the Queen’s Baton through Staffordshire as it made its way through the county as part of the historic global relay. The Baton had travelled across the Commonwealth, inspiring communities and bringing people together in the build-up to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
For Sajid, being chosen to carry the Baton was particularly meaningful. It came just six years after he had become one of the youngest to receive a British Empire Medal (BEM) from Her Majesty The Queen, recognising his extensive charitable and community work. Over the years, Sajid had raised substantial funds to support people living in poverty and continued his philanthropic efforts throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
In his own words
“It’s not every day you hear that someone has been chosen to bear the Queen’s Baton.”
Sajid Rashid BEM, speaking ahead of the relay
“It’s not every day you hear that someone has been chosen to bear the Queen’s Baton. I’m really excited and incredibly proud to be representing East Staffordshire and the Burton region for the Commonwealth Games.”
“I’m over the moon and somewhat lost for words, to be honest. I don’t think I’ll ever get the chance to do something like this again, and it’s unlikely that the Commonwealth Games will be so close to me again.”
“I’m lucky that it’s on my doorstep. It just goes to show that all the work I’ve done over the years is rewarded in the end.”
“I feel privileged to have been chosen to hold the Baton. My mum and dad are over the moon about it too. They really didn’t expect it — the opportunity just came completely out of the blue.”
“My dad is actually more excited about it than me, I think. He’s accompanied me throughout all the awards I’ve received.”
“For other awards, I’ve usually had a couple of months’ notice, but the Batonbearing came about at the very last minute.”
“My colleagues are proud of me because they’ve never met anybody who has done anything like this before. It was an amazing experience and I’ll remember it for the rest of my life.”
“I’m quite overwhelmed and proud at the same time because, out of everyone in East Staffordshire, I was chosen to bear the Baton. It’s something I’ll be able to tell my future children about and a memory I’ll cherish for the rest of my life.”
“I’m grabbing the opportunity with both hands and getting it done for Staffordshire.”
20 July 2022
The day in pictures
The Queen’s Baton Relay represented much more than a ceremonial role for Sajid. It was a celebration of community, service, achievement and unity, and an opportunity to represent the people of East Staffordshire on a global sporting stage.
Carrying the Baton through his home region was an experience Sajid described as one he would cherish for the rest of his life — a defining moment in his journey of public service and philanthropy.
Certificate of participation
Presented in recognition of Sajid’s contribution to the Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay, signed by Dame Louise Martin DBE, President of the Commonwealth Games Federation, and John Crabtree OBE, Chairman of Birmingham 2022.
Speaking, media & partnerships
For speaking engagements, interviews, STEM outreach or charity collaborations.