Gaydio and BBC Radio Manchester's Jsky has been selected to carry the baton as part of The Queen’s Baton Relay. The radio presenter will represent the UK in the north west leg next month as part of the epic journey which began in October last year with the Queen placing her message to the Commonwealth into the baton.
The Queen’s Baton Relay returns to England this summer when the baton will be carried across the country by inspirational baton bearers, each with incredible stories. Baton bearers have been selected in all nine regions of England, and reflect the diversity in communities across the country.
“Being selected to carry the baton, at such a milestone, not only for the Commonwealth but in celebration of Her Majesty The Queen, really is the greatest honour," said Jsky. The Commonwealth connects us all and to join such incredibly inspiring individuals and to be recognised in this moment is something I will treasure for years to come."
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Pride of Britain judge Jsky hosts BBC Radio Manchester's The Dead Good Show on Wednesdays. And he presents on Gaydio, the largest LGBT+ station in the world. His weekly Monday evening show has been supported by likes of RuPaul's Drag Race stars Divina De Campo and Karen From Finance and X Factor Winner Sam Bailey.
Jsky, real name Jason Warner, who also starred in the hit show First Dates in 2015, was named a LGBTQ+ Pioneer of Colour for the LGBT Foundation. As one of the body positive influencers on the groundbreaking Channel Four reality show Naked Beach in 2019 he helped willing participants to gain the confidence to strip naked.
The show, dubbed the 'antidote to Love Island', was watched by 1.6million viewers when it was screened in 2019. And it was screened in secondary schools to help promote body positivity and improve mental health in teens.
Batonbearers are people who always willing to take on a challenge and have a unique and inspiring story, have made a meaningful contribution to sport, education, the arts, culture, or charity, are a figure of inspiration that positively challenges others to achieve their best and have taken on a challenge or cause and made a positive impact within their community.
Jsky will carry the baton for a section of the route in the north west between Saturday July 16 and Sunday July 17. The Queen’s Baton is visiting all 72 nations and territories in the Commonwealth over 294 days with the aim of igniting hope, solidarity and connecting communities ahead of the Commonwealth Games 2022 in Birmingham.
Commonwealth Games Federation President Dame Louise Martin DBE said: “I would like to congratulate all the inspirational individuals who have been selected to carry the Queen’s Baton Relay across the Host Country.
“The last leg of the Baton’s long journey across the 72 nations and territories of the Commonwealth will be such a special moment for everyone involved with the Games. It will provide a final opportunity for the whole country to engage with Birmingham 2022 ahead of the Opening Ceremony on 28 July, where the Queen’s Message will be read aloud and the Commonwealth Games will begin.”
Commonwealth Games Minister Nigel Huddleston said: “This June the Queen's Baton Relay comes home. Arriving in London for the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, the Baton will travel from coast to coast bringing people together and championing 2,022 specially nominated community heroes.
"The relay has connected 72 nations and territories and serves as a symbol of the values of peace and friendship that the Commonwealth Sport family has always upheld."
