His Excellency, the President Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere received the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Queen's Baton at the State House.
Speaking to guests present at the reception, His Excellency said receiving the ‘Queen’s Baton’ was indeed a great honour as it allows members of the commonwealth to participate in honouring the Head of the Commonwealth, Queen Elizabeth II as Her Majesty celebrates Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee as well this year.
“To all those present today and to the organiser’s of today’s event, we applaud you for your tenacity and commitment in organising the logistics around the baton-relay and making it happen,” His Excellency told guests at the event.
“I wish to personally acknowledge the nominated baton bearers for the baton relay here in Fiji representing Athletics including Para athletes, Lawn Bowls, Boxing, Swimming, Triathlon, Judo, Table Tennis including para, Weightlifting and Rugby 7s - these sports shall participate and proudly represent our beloved Fiji in Birmingham.”
The baton which will be in Fiji for the next few days will be showcased in parts of the country s and with the Queen’s message, advocate for the protection of our ecosystem with the visit to the Nature-Based Solutions Seawall (NBS) for the Namatakula Village and ‘Koroipita’ in Lautoka with the coral planting at the Outrigger Hotel and tree planting at the Sigatoka Sand dunes.
“All of these activities I am certain that we will fulfill the Commonwealth Games Values and themes which include, sustainability, humanity, destiny and untold stories in its journey,” President Katonivere further adds.
His Excellency also extended his good wishes and blessings for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and the Queen’s Baton relay en-route to Birmingham.
Fijians are invited not to miss this opportunity to see the Queens Baton in passing or to take time to see the Baton should it come to a nearby location.