Welcoming the Queen’s Baton for the Commonwealth Games to Tanzania

On 18th January Tanzania will have the honour of receiving the Queen’s Baton for the Commonwealth Games- The Baton symbolizes the coming together of all Commonwealth nations and territories in preparation for the four-yearly festival of sport and culture. The Baton is travelling over 190,000 km through 70 Commonwealth countries. Its journey will end on 23 July 2014 in Glasgow, Scotland, for the Opening Ceremony of the XX Commonwealth Games, which Glasgow is hosting.

You are invited to celebrate the Baton’s arrival in Tanzania and the forthcoming Glasgow Commonwealth Games at a reception hosted by the British High Commissioner at her Residence on Saturday 18th January from 1900-2100 Hrs.

The themes for the reception include a celebration of the Commonwealth and its values; sport; and young people, in particular, ending violence against children. The evening will feature a strong Scottish flavour to reflect the country that is hosting the 2014 Commonwealth Games. The Baton is being accompanied by a BBC film crew that will record its complete journey and.

This will be the fifth time Tanzania has received the baton. The baton will be in Tanzania for 3 days, helping to sensitize, unite and raise the morale of the citizens, athletes and especially the young people on what the Commonwealth Games are about.

The Baton will be presented by Mr Filbert Bayi, the Tanzanian holder of the Commonwealth 1500 metre record for the past 40 years, accompanied by Olympic champion Kipchoge Keino, and the team accompanying the Baton on this leg of its global journey.

The Queen’s Baton Relay Sunday 19th January

The relay of the Queen’s Baton through the streets of Dar es Salaam will be on Sunday 19th January starting at 1400 Hrs from the National Stadium and ending at State House where the Baton will be presented to HE President Kikwete.

All are welcome to come and watch the Baton’s journey along the route. Beforehand, the British Council through its International Inspiration programme and Unicef have organized a morning of sports - athletics, football and netball- at the National Stadium commencing at 0900. Spectators are welcome- just turn up! On Monday 20th beyond.

the Baton will visit Zanzibar before its onward journey to Seychelles and Further background on the Commonwealth Games can be found at www.glasgow2014.com and www.thecgf.com. The international journey of the Commonwealth Baton can be followed at: http://www.thecgf.com/qbr .