20th July 2022
Sanctuary Supported Living
A young people’s support service in Hartlepool are thrilled for a resident who has been chosen as a baton bearer for the opening of the Commonwealth Games 2022.
Adam Jaffri, age 22, was handpicked by the Queen’s Baton Relay Committee to represent the North East for his inspiring story and life-long passion for sports.
Adam will carry the baton and complete a 200-metre victory lap on Thursday 14 July along Seaham’s beautiful seafront. The day is set to be one to remember for both Adam and everyone at Victoria Road, who have seen him come a long way since he was referred to the service.
Dave Wilson, Concierge at Sanctuary Supported Living’s award-winning Victoria Road has supported and mentored Adam since his arrival to the supported housing service in 2019. Winner of the Putting People First Award for the North East at the Great British Care Awards, Victoria Road offers a vital service in Hartlepool for young adults aged 16-25 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, and who require support to increase their confidence and develop their skills, so they can learn to live independently.
"I have always had a keen interest in sports… I know my mum would have been proud of me for being involved in this amazing event!"
When asked about this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Adam said: “I remember the Olympic baton was shown around my school in 2012, I was so excited to see it. I have always had a keen interest in sports, and I was excited to hear the Commonwealth Games was coming to England. I know my mum would have been proud of me for being involved in this amazing event!”
Dave Wilson added: “I heard Dame Jessica Ennis asking people to nominate individuals to be baton bearers. I had no hesitation in putting Adam forward due to his personal development, his love of sports and his desire to do things that would make his mum proud, who sadly passed away last year.”
The baton, will be carried through all 72 nations and territories of the Commonwealth for 294 days, clocking over 140,000 kilometres. The final relay stretch in England will start on Monday 4 July, travelling through 180 communities and totalling over 2,500 in-country miles before arriving in Birmingham on 28 July for the start of the Commonwealth Games.
