30 Nov 2021

A Commonwealth torch, Monday, landed at Maun International Airport from Mauritius.

The Commonwealth Games are billed for Birmingham in August 2022.

The Queen’s baton, which was received by Ngamiland District leadership, will be in the region for three days before going to South Africa.

The relay baton would be presented at Toteng Primary School, Sehithwa kgotla, Maun Sports Complex and Maun main kgotla.

In his remarks, Kgosi Leretetse Mogalakwe expressed gratitude that the Queen’s baton had landed in the tourism hub of Maun.

The relay baton, he said, had good intentions of bringing people together and promoting peace.

Kgosi Mogalakawe also appreciated Botswana’s participation in the Commonwealth Games, noting that the games had opened doors for many athletes such as Amantle Montsho, the 400 metres sprinter.

Maun East MP, Goretetse Kekgonegile, thanked Botswana Commonwealth Games Association for bringing the Queen’s baton to Maun, noting that was in recognition of the region’s contribution to sports development.

The region, he said, had produced heroes and heroines who represented the country regionally and internationally, eventually bringing positive results.

“We should be seen to be celebrating their achievements as a nation and it is our pleasure to host events like the arrival of the relay baton in our region,” he added.

Kekgonegile also appreciated the importance of sports and challenged parents to encourage their children to take part in sports activities.

For his part, Botswana Commonwealth Games Association president, Colonel Botsang Tshenyego, shared history of the Commonwealth torch, stating that initially it was called the British Empire Games and it was renamed the Commonwealth Games to become a global multi-sport event.

The games, he said, were conducted every four years, carrying a message from Queen Elizabeth II.

The games brought together members of the Commonwealth nations in an effort to promote humanity, peace and solidarity.

He also stated that the relay baton commenced in October this year, adding that it would pass through 72 nations and territories of the Commonwealth.

Col Tshenyego thanked Maun leadership for a warm welcome for the Queen’s relay baton, noting that its arrival in the village was significant. Ends