The Queen’s Commonwealth Baton Relay has completed 147 days out of its 294-day journey, marking the halfway point of the Relay.
The Queen’s Baton Relay is a tradition that celebrates, connects, and excites communities throughout the Commonwealth in the build-up to the Commonwealth Games. The Relay officially began 7 October when Her Majesty placed her Message to the Commonwealth into the Baton. Since then, the Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay has completed half of its journey to all 72 nations and territories within the Commonwealth. Its 147th day and the halfway point was spent in Niue, a Pacific Island in Oceania.
When a city or territory is visited by the Baton, the Commonwealth Games Associations (CGAs) hosts a busy schedule of events and activities to tell the untold stories of the communities – whether it’s through local heroes, showcasing different landmarks or highlighting projects to address one of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
During its halfway point in Niue, the Baton visited Matapa Chasm, known locally as the King’s Bathing Hole. Known to be frequented by Niue Royalty, the chasm has a rich marine life and is home to many tropical species of crayfish and crabs.
Maru Talagi, President of the Niue Island and Commonwealth Games Association said: “It is such an honour to have been able to host the Queen’s Baton Relay during its landmark celebration of being halfway through its journey. I have enjoyed seeing the Relay so far, and I am excited to see how the remaining countries and territories welcome the Baton.”
In the next 147 days, the Baton will continue its journey in Oceania with upcoming visits to islands in the Pacific Ocean and New Zealand. It will celebrate Commonwealth Day in New Zealand on 14 March before it travels onto Australia. The Relay will officially come to an end at the Birmingham 2022 Opening Ceremony on 28 July. On the occasion, Her Majesty or a representative will read out her Message to the Commonwealth.
For more information on the Relay and to follow the Baton’s journey, you can do so here.
