Louise Martin CBE, President of the Commonwealth Games Federation, welcomes the transformative and connecting power of sport with the launch of The Queen’s Baton Relay on Commonwealth Day, and looks forward to the 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games in the Bahamas, and the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia’s Gold Coast.
Every year on Commonwealth Day the nations and territories of the Commonwealth gather together in celebration of shared histories and values. In 2017, Commonwealth Day holds particular significance for the Commonwealth Games Federation and the Commonwealth sporting movement as it marks a very special occasion: the launch of the Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay.
Peace-building is the Commonwealth theme for 2017, and the Queen’s Baton Relay puts that theme into action. The Queen’s Baton Relay celebrates the Commonwealth’s diversity, inspires community pride and builds anticipation for the world-class festival of sports and culture that lies ahead. Its journey to Australia and the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games began at Buckingham Palace on 13 March 2017, when Her Majesty the Queen placed her message to the Commonwealth inside the baton. As the baton travels across continents, this message symbolises an invitation to the Commonwealth’s athletes to gather together in peaceful and friendly competition. The Queen’s message reinforces the Commonwealth’s shared love of sport and recognises the power of sport to transcend barriers and bring people together. Above all, it is a message from Her Majesty of hope, ambition and peace for the citizens and athletes of the Commonwealth…
Louise Martin CBE
President of the Commonwealth Games Federation
