Caroline picks up the King’s Baton for the Commonwealth Games

Caroline received the baton before kicking off a friendly five-a-side football match between players from Social Security Scotland and Street Soccer at the Change Centre in Dundee to mark the positive impact sport can have on people and communities.

Supporters included Social Security Scotland Chief Executive David Wallace alongside colleagues from the mailroom where Caroline works, as well as players from Street Soccer’s women’s teams, community teams, volunteers and staff.

The King’s Baton Relay is travelling across Scotland ahead of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. The relay celebrates the values of the Commonwealth Games, including inclusion, resilience and opportunity. It also shines a light on organisations that support people facing challenges such as disability, long-term health conditions, poverty, homelessness and social isolation.

 

Caroline won gold in the 100 metres at the Barcelona in 1992 and Atlanta in 1996. At Sydney in 2000, she also won gold in the 200 metres and 400 metres, and silver in the 100 metres - setting a new level for what was possible for an athlete with cerebral palsy. She was also awarded an MBE in the 2000/2001 New Year’s Honours List.

She said: “I’m delighted to help welcome the King’s Baton Relay to Dundee. The Commonwealth Games inspire people to achieve their potential – they certainly inspired me! It is fantastic to see those same values being reflected through community partnerships and volunteers that support people across Dundee every day.”

David Wallace, Chief Executive of Social Security Scotland, said:

“We are delighted to celebrate Caroline and her amazing achievements as well as the values that unite communities across Scotland and the Commonwealth.

“We are proud to work with our local Dundee partner Street Soccer at an event that highlights the positive difference organisations can make when they work together to improve lives and treat everyone with our values of dignity, fairness and respect.”

Street Soccer uses football and sport to support people affected by homelessness, mental health challenges, social isolation, substance use and involvement with the justice system.

The King’s Baton Relay began its journey around Scotland on 1 July and will visit more than 50 events and festivals before the opening ceremony of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. The relay celebrates Team Scotland, Scottish sport, culture and communities across the country.