As member nations prepare for the Commonwealth Games, the Queen’s Baton Relay, an iconic event has started with a special event at Buckingham Palace in London as part of the city’s Commonwealth Day festivities.
The Queen’s Baton Relay which is similar to the Olympic Torch is a relay around the world and the Baton carries a message from the Head of the Commonwealth, Queen Elizabeth II.
Nigeria will be the third nation to receive the Queen’s Baton Relay on October 16, after which it will tour 15 other African countries before moving to Asia.
The 15 other African Countries are: Gambia (October 16), Sierra Leone (October 23), Ghana (October 26), Cameroon (October 29), Kenya (November 2), Uganda (November 5), Rwanda (November 10), Tanzania (November 13), Malawi (November 17) and Zambia (November 20).
Also, Mozambique (November 23), Mauritius (November 27), Botswana (November 30), St. Helena (December 5), South Africa (December 8), Namibia (December 14), Eswatini (December 17), Lesotho (December 20) Seychelles (December 23).
The Baton is expected to travel for 294 days, visiting all 72 nations and territories as well as connecting communities in every corner of the Commonwealth, embracing unique cultures and sharing stories.
At the Opening Ceremony of the Games, the final relay runner hands the baton back to the Queen or her representative, who reads a message aloud to officially open the Games.
The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games will be held in the United Kingdom from 28 July to 8 August, 2022.
