14 Jan 2014

The Glasgow 2014 Queens Baton Relay will arrive in Botswana on January 30 as it traverses through 71 Commonwealth destinations.

A press release from Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC) stated that President Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama will welcome the Commonwealth Games baton during an official ceremony at the Sir Seretse Khama International Airport.

It said Botswana would provide an integral link when it welcomes the baton as it would be travelling in one of the most engaging relays in Botswana.

The statement said the Queen’s Baton Relay was a traditional curtain raiser to the Commonwealth Games which symbolised the coming together of all common wealth nations in preparation for the sport and culture festival that came every four years.

It stated that the Glasgow 2014 Queen’s Baton Relay began at Buckingham Palace on October 9, 2013, when Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II sent it out with a message to its first destination, which is the previous host of the Commonwealth Games, Delhi, India.

The press release quoted the BNOC president, Negroes Kgosietsile saying , “we are delighted and honoured to be part of this prestigious and momentous global journey.”

He was further quoted as saying that the journey did not only unite the commonwealth countries through sport and culture but also brought with it the opportunity to highlight, promote and showcase Botswana to the world via the accompanying media attention.

In the release BNOC marketing and communications manager, Mpho Motlhabane said planning was already well under way to celebrate the arrival of the Glasgow 2014 Queens Baton Relay in the community.

She states that BNOC  looks forward to seeing many locals join these festivities and turn out to cheer on the relay baton bearers more especially that BNOC is optimistic that they will outperform  any previous Commonwealth Games performance.

 In the statement, Motlhabane further states the baton will also visit many landmarks such as local schools and places of historical and cultural significance along with a relay which will commence at the three Dikgosi Monument on January 31, 2014 involving past and present athletes.

As part of its epic journey, the Glasgow 2014 Queen’s Baton Relay will visit all 71 nations of the Commonwealth in s Asia, Oceania, Africa, and North and South Americas, the Caribbean, and Europe  covering 190 000 kilometres in 245 days. ENDS