Murray Horbury will be part of one of the richest Commonwealth Games traditions for the second time in his life when he runs in the Queen’s Baton Relay once again this Friday.
I’m really proud to be involved again
- Murray Horbury
It’s been a long time between drinks for the Port Bouvard Surf Life Saving Club member – 36 years to be exact – who last ran the relay ahead of the 1982 games in Brisbane.
Now he is once again preparing to help carry the baton, which this time will reach its destination not too far down the road on the Gold Coast.
The Wannanup resident said he was honoured to be part of the long-standing tradition once again.
“The last time I ran in it in 1982 I was with the fire service. We carried it through Rockingham and it ended up in Brisbane,” he said.
“It’s funny that this time we’ll still be running it through Rockingham, and it’s going to end up not far away from Brisbane in the Gold Coast.
“I’m really proud to be involved again – it’s something I hold quite dear.”
Murray was nominated for the Queen’s Baton Relay by fellow Port Bouvard SLSC members Karen and Richard Cleveland, who were unaware it would be his second time carrying the baton.
The duo threw his name into the mix as recognition for his 10-year service to the club, which has seen him raise vital funds and train several up and comers throughout his time.
“The thing that stands out about Murray is that he’s such a great role model around our club,” Richard said.
“He’s still extremely active, he always puts his hand up when something needs to be done and he’s just an all-around great clubman.
“Honestly, it was such an easy choice for us to nominate him given everything he’s done for our club.”
Murray will join a group of about 20 people to cover their nominated distance carrying the baton, stopping in Rockingham for a ceremonial welcoming.
He himself will run roughly half a kilometre in the relay.
From there, the baton will make it’s way around the country finally stopping on the Gold Coast for the 2018 Commonwealth Games opening ceremony.
To find out more about the Queen’s Baton Relay or for more information on the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, visit gc2018.com/qbr