Glasgow 2014XX Commonwealth Games

Queen’s Baton Relay

BE THE GAMES

International Sector Factsheet

Glasgow 2014XX Commonwealth Games

The Queen’s Baton Relay is a much loved tradition of the Commonwealth Games and symbolises the coming together of all nations and territories in preparation for the four-yearly festival of sport and culture.

The Queen’s Baton Relay is a much loved tradition of the Commonwealth Games and symbolises the coming together of all Commonwealth Nations in preparation for the four-yearly festival of sport and culture.

The vision of Glasgow 2014 is to stage a Queen’s Baton Relay which will engage, enthral and create an innovative platform for promoting the Games in Glasgow, Scotland, and across the Commonwealth. The Queen’s Baton Relay offers an unparalleled opportunity to showcase each nation and territory in the Commonwealth family. The journey is a chance for Scotland and Glasgow to shine as economic, cultural and educational opportunities are created.

The Queen’s Baton Relay will be launched on 9 October 2013 from Buckingham Palace, where Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will place Her message to the Commonwealth into the baton. The baton will then depart from Glasgow for its epic journey, beginning in Asia, visiting India, the Host Nation of the Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games.

Over 248 days the baton will travel sequentially through each nation creating an engaging journey through Asia, Oceania, Africa, Americas (south), Caribbean and Americas (north), before returning to Europe and the UK. The baton will average one to four days in each nation with an extended duration of seven days in Wales and fourteen days in England.

Throughout the Commonwealth the baton will be relayed by thousands of people, each honoured by their own nation to participate in this unique tradition. The baton will also travel by land, sea and air and will use many alternate modes of transport.

Past relays have featured a submarine in the Maldives, a vintage sidecar in Singapore and a scuba diver to the underwater post office in Vanuatu.

The baton will visit many famous landmarks and places of historical and cultural significance. It will encounter a wide range of cultures and communities while promoting diversity and unity. Lasting memories will be created as the relay generates excitement for the Games.

The Queen’s Baton Relay will conclude its journey at the Games Opening Ceremony on 23 July 2014. The final batonbearer will proudly carry the baton on the final leg of its journey, before handing it back to Her Majesty The Queen who will read Her message aloud and officially declare the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games open.

The official launch will take place on 9 October 2013 at Buckingham Palace.

The Queen’s Baton Relay will conclude its journey at the Games Opening Ceremony on 23 July 2014.

www.glasgow2014.com/baton-relay

International Sector Factsheet