The 16th Queen’s Baton relay arrived to our shores and was received by his Excellency the President of Fiji, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere at the State House yesterday.
Ratu Wiliame welcomed the baton which makes its appearance only for the fourth time in Fiji a prelude to the upcoming Commonwealth Games.
“I am extremely pleased and equally proud to welcome the Queen’s Baton before it continues on its journey,” Ratu Wiliame said.
Ratu Wiliame added its arrival bought with it a certain calmness which muted the current global pandemic.
Team Fiji chef de mission Sale Sorovaki hailed the baton’s arrival as it would boost participating teams yet to qualify.
“This will probably push our athletes to get that time or that weight or whatever category in whatever event, the Queen’s Baton creates that excitement,” Sorovaki said.
The baton is on a 294-day long journey to every corner of the Commonwealth countries.
The baton will make its way around the country over the next two days and will be carried by relay runners Olympic Games gold medallist Jerry Tuwai, bronze medallist Rusila Nagasau and ‘changemaker’ Leslie Tikotikoca.
