03 Feb 2014

Exactly 113 days after being sent off from Buckingham Palace by Queen Elizabeth II, the Glasgow 2014 Queens Baton touched down on the beautiful soil of Botswana where it was received by the Vice President Ponatshego Kedikilwe on Thursday, January 30.

The Queen’s baton has journeyed through continents all in the spirit of peace and togetherness as it warms up nations for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games on July 23. The baton has religiously become a curtain raiser for the global games since their inception in 1958 in Cardiff, Wales and Botswana has been part of the baton relay ever since though they did not field athletes at the games.

Botswana is the 35 of the 71 Commonwealth countries to welcome the much treasured baton which carries with it the Queens message which will be read on the opening ceremony in Glasgow. After being warmly welcome to Botswana, the baton employed on an expedition around the capital city for Batswana to get a feel of the magnificent wooden stick with a twirled silver detail that clutches the Queens message in a cone like bulb.

The baton relay commenced at the historic Three Dikgosi Monument which carries a huge significance to Botswana becoming a British Protectorate. Renowned local poets, Barolong Seboni and Moreri Moroka paved way for the baton relay with soothing words as they recited the word in honour of the three Dikgosi who stood rigidly in the midst of the sports heroes and enthusiasts escorting the baton.

Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC) president Negroes Kgosietsile instigated the relay from the monument then handed over the baton to 4X4 ladies relay runner Goitseone Seleka who carried it to Galaletsang Primary School where the baton entourage was received with chants from the school children.

The children were exhilarated to see their sports heroes and mostly to get hold of the baton which was circulated in the crowd. From Galaletsang Primary School the baton traversed through other primary schools in Gaborone as it went to Baobab where children waved Botswana flags dressed in sports attire, others clad in some of the Commonwealth nations costumes representing Nigeria, Zimbabwe, India, Kenya and the German print for Botswana.

The journey continued as the relay entourage jogged to Rail Park mall for the public to view the baton.

The public gathered around the baton as they posed with the respectable gadget in the mall after which the 800m Olympic finalist Glody Dube  carried it to the National Assembly where it was received by the acting clerk Monica Tselayakgosi. Tselayakgosi presented the baton to the distinctive statue of the late first President of the country Sir Seretse Khama as she raised the baton towards the erect statue.

The passerby could not just walk by without inquiring what was the occasion as they joined the entourage in watching the historic presentation of the baton to the late president. Tselayakgosi then handed the baton to the British High Commissioner Nick Pyle who led the team to the embassy where the trophy was displayed for public viewing.

It was a day filled with fun as Mophane Primary School children entertained the crowd competing in the egg and spoon, and sack race. The BNOC, British Council, Ministry of Youth sports and Culture and media team also had a chance to test their mettle and see which is the strongest team in the fun games.

The fun was immeasurable as the public got the privilege to hold and pose for a picture with the Queens baton with some kissing it while others broke in ululations. The biker boys joined the convoy as the baton left the British Council to Benthema and Camp primary Schools where the children cheered and thrilled to see Olympic Silver medalist Nigel Amos.

Just when the team thought they had all the amazing experience, the Tlokweng residents welcomed the entourage in style with a donkey cart led by MP for South East North Olebile Gaborone who held the baton.

Commonwealth Games bronze medalist Kabelo Kgosiemang, young swimmer Naomi Ruele and Olympian Khumiso Ikgopoleng alternatively carried the baton on the donkey cart as it passed through the village for the people to see it.

Tlokweng residents eagerly waited for it to arrive at the final destination, the VDC football grounds where it arrived in style highly lifted up by Botswana’s sport hero Amos who circled sprinted around the grounds as children followed him around in excitement.

It was indeed a memorable day to remember for everyone who had the privilege to mingle with the Queens baton and Mophane Primary School student Orefile Ramasonya is one of the future athletes who was thrilled by the experience.

“I am going to tell all my friends in school that I had the opportunity to hold the baton I am so excited,” she noted. Orefile who is an excelling student in athletics and swimming in her school said holding the baton is a thrilling experience for her.

13 year Orefile said she was inspired to see sports heroes who escorted the baton adding that she aspires to walk in their footprints. She said sports has helped build team work spirit in her as she plays with other children and further help her stay away from social ills.

50 something year old Keatlaretse Motsumi could not help it but kiss the baton as it was handed to her. She said she is proud to hold the baton as it unites nations and further encouraged youngsters to engage in sports because there is a bright future in sports. Motsumi indicated that she was happy to see well-known athletes in the likes of Amos and Isaac Makwala. ENDS