Champion swimmer and surf lifesaving veteran among Noosa's batonbearers

Swimming champion Jana Clancy and veteran surf lifesaver Ross Fisher are among the inspirational Noosa locals who will take part in the 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay.

Ms Clancy and Mr Fisher will join more than 30 locals who will carry the Baton as it makes its way through Noosa in March next year.

Hundreds of people will get the opportunity to engage with the Baton, when it arrives in Noosa on Monday, 26 March, as part of the 100-day countdown to the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.

Ms Clancy has Down syndrome and was born with epilepsy and major foot deformities. She has defied doctors’ predictions and lived through three major open-heart surgeries. Despite her disabilities, she has represented Australia on five occasions, swimming at the World Down Syndrome Swimming Championships where she won eight gold, six silver and seven bronze medals.

“I’m proud to be able to carry the Baton. I just found out last night, it feels amazing, and it will be a big moment. I’m happy for my family that I can do this,” she said.

Ms Clancy holds 35 world records for Down syndrome swimmers.

Ross Fisher welcomed the chance to be a batonbearer.

“For me this is all about representing the Noosa Heads Surf Life Saving Club and the history of the club in our community. Next year Noosa Heads Surf Life Saving Club is 90 years old. How fitting that we celebrate our 90 birthday as we are part of the Commonwealth Games in Australia,” he said.

Mr Fisher joined Noosa Heads Surf Life Saving Club in 1989. He is a Life Member, current President and Chair of the Sponsorship Committee. In the past 28 years, he has held a variety of positions within the Club in addition to being a Masters Surf Sports competitor.

Chair of the Noosa Queen’s Baton Relay Working Group Cr Joe Jurisevic praised the community for nominating so many inspirational locals.

“Batonbearers represent our diverse community and we are proud of all of the great people who contribute so much to our local community in Noosa,” Cr Jurisevic said.

“It is an honour and a privilege to be a batonbearer, and it will be an unforgettable experience for those involved. I encourage everyone to come out and join in the celebrations and cheer on your local batonbearers.”

From youngsters to some of Australia’s most accomplished legends, the Queen’s Baton Relay (QBR) recognises the achievements and aspirations of Australians from all walks of life.

Collectively across the country, batonbearers will take more than a million steps to bring the Baton to its final destination, the Games’ Opening Ceremony on April 4, 2018.

It will be 60 years since a Baton first carried Her Majesty’s message to athletes of the Commonwealth at the Cardiff 1958 British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Wales.

Noosa’s batonbearers:

Ron Boyle

Lisa Campbell

Jana Clancy

Zak Crozier

Tiffany Di Ianni

Neville Duus

Andrew Fermo

Ross Fisher

Tony Frost

Sonny Granger

Bella Gray

Matthew Horder

Ian Jobling

Brad Kahlefeldt

Allie Langford

Peter Lewis

Vanessa Mecanovic

Jordan Mercer

Cohen Meuleman

Abbey Morcom

Shane O'Dell

Electra Outram

Yvonne Pattinson

John Pearson

Warick Redwood

Greg Rogers

Alfie Shacklock

Moira-Anne Shewan-Knowles

Emma Snowsill

Clinton Stanley

Susan Stanley

Geoff Wade

Joanna Waites

Rachael Witton

Harrison Wright

For the full list of batonbearers, visit the website.

18 October 2017