As the Queen’s Baton Relay made its way through Armidale on Thursday, one man already had first-hand experience at knowing what a special honour it is to carry out one leg of the event, but never before in front of a hometown crowd.
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Wayne Sharpe carried the Olympic Torch prior to the Sydney 2000 Games and the Queen’s Baton in the lead up to the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games but said there’s nothing quite like having the honour in front of people he sees everyday.
“It is always different with the home crowd advantage and every experience is different and unique,” he said.
“It is wonderful each and everytime.
“People you recognise, you've known for a long time and it just takes it to that extra level which is just fantastic.
“Super excited, stunned and amazed and all that sort of thing.
“It is incredible and an absolute honour.”
Sharpe represented Australia at two Paralympic Games – Sydney in 2000 and Athens in 2004 – in powerlifting and in two Commonwealth Games – 2002 in England and 2006 in Melbourne.
He has inspired many people to achieve their dreams and had some advice for anyone looking to overcome any hurdles life throws at them.
“Just go for it,” he said.
“Don't let anyone tell you you can't, do it anyway.
People you recognise, you've known for a long time and it just takes it to that extra level which is just fantastic. It is incredible and an absolute honour.
- Wayne Sharpe
“You are the best person to know your capabilities and limitations so just go for it.”
Eighteen people carried the baton through the streets of Armidale before they reached Curtis Park for community celebrations.
Sharpe was thankful for the opportunity to carry it through his hometown in Armidale.
“The day has been absolutely fantastic,” he said.
“I would like to take the opportunity to thank all of the organisers, the Queen's Baton Relay team, the police, they have been absolutely fantastic.
“It has been like clockwork.
“Everyone is super-dooper friendly which is the experience that I have always had with Commonwealth Games.
“It has been absolutely wonderful so a big, huge giant thank you.”
The baton is shaped similarly to a surfboard to represent the location of this year’s Games, the Gold Coast.
The Queen wrote a message on spinifex paper which was inserted into the baton and will be revealed at the opening ceremony.
It is also made from macadamia wood which is native to the Gold Coast and reclaimed plastic to raise awareness for sustainable practice.