Queen’s Baton touchesdown in Samoa

By Ulimasao Fata 26 November 2017, 12:00AM

The Gold Coast Queen’s Baton has touched down in our shores.

A special reception to welcome the arrival of the baton in Samoa was hosted by the Australian High Commissioner at the Commission residence at Tiapapata on Thursday evening.

Formalities commenced with the Queen’s Baton Relay arrival carried in by local Samoan athlete, Kolone Alefosio, a record holder in the men’s hurdles 110 meters.

Australia High Commissioner, Sue Langford, welcomed all the distinguished guests and the diplomatic corps, and gave a short brief about the Queen’s baton.

“It is the vision of the XXI Commonwealth Games to stage a great Queen’s Baton Relay that embraces the Commonwealth’s diversity, ignites community pride and excites the Commonwealth about the Commonwealth Games.

“The relay started at Buckingham Palace on Monday 13th March, 2017 and will be travelling for 388 days throughout all nations and territories visiting Africa, the Americas, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia and Oceania.”

Samoa’s Prime Minister Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Malielegaoi acknowledged the Commonwealth Games crew for bringing the Queen’s Baton to Samoa.

President of Samoa Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee, Patrick Fepulea’i also paid tribute to those involved in bringing the Queen’s Baton to Samoa while the Oceania Regional Vice President of Commonwealth Games Federation, Hugh Graham, thanked the Samoan government for hosting the baton and for being a true sporting nation.

The Queen’s Baton continued its journey around Apia and also visited the Lalomanu area.

The last stop of the Queen’s Baton here in Samoa was at the Mulivai Cathedral Sunday morning service.

By Ulimasao Fata 26 November 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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