The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Queen’s Baton Relay has made it more than half way through its journey across the Commonwealth.
The Baton spent its 147th day in Niue, a Pacific Island in Oceania, which marked the halfway point through its journey.
The baton relay is a tradition that celebrates and connects the 72 countries and territories of the Commonwealth with the build up of the games.
It started in October when Her Majesty The Queen placed her message to the Commonwealth into the Baton and it will come to an end at the Birmingham 2022 Opening Ceremony when the Queen or her representative, will read out the message.
The Queen’s Baton Relay has visited the Pacific Islands in Oceania.
In Fiji, Batonbearers took part in a coral planting activity as part of a global conservation initiative to protect coral reefs.
After the tour of Fiji the baton was then received at the British High Commissioner’s residence from para-athlete, Leslie Tikotikoca.
While in Papua New Guinea, the Baton visited Kambaramba, a village built entirely on stilts in the Sepik River which has allowed generations of families to live in the area, without exploiting the natural environment.
While visiting the world’s smallest island nation, Nauru, the Baton visited all 14 of the island’s districts, where local members of the communities had hand painted signs to welcome the Baton’s arrival.
In the final 147 days, the Baton is set to continue its journey in Oceania, with upcoming visits to more islands in the Pacific Ocean and New Zealand, where the Baton will celebrate Commonwealth Day, before travelling on to Australia.
Jerry Tuwai, Fiji Sevens team member and Batonbearer, said: “I felt so privileged to be one of the first Batonbearers in Fiji to take on the Relay and represent my country during the Queen’s Baton Relay.
“It is an amazing feeling to take part in such an important journey.”
Dame Louise Martin, President of the Commonwealth Games Federation, said: “The Baton has received a warm and vibrant welcome from our Commonwealth Games Associations, whilst creating huge excitement and anticipation for Birmingham 2022.
“We are all now looking forward to the second half of the journey as the Baton continues to provide hope and inspiration on route to the Birmingham 2022 Opening Ceremony on July 28.”
Source: Sarah Mason
