The Queen’s baton relay included weightlifters
The Queens Baton Relay is one of the most visible and important traditions of the Commonwealth Games as it will carry the message of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, who is the Head and the Patron of the Commonwealth.
The Grand launch ceremony for Delhi 2010 Baton was held at the Buckingham Palace on October the 29th, 2009 in which Her Excellency, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, Hon’ble President of India, Mr Michael Fennel, The President of the Commonwealth Games Federation, MP Suresh Kalmadi (MP), The President of the Indian Olympic Association were present.
The Queen’s baton which contained the speech which Her Majesty will deliver at the Opening of the Commonwealth Games in India in 2010 entered Wales from England today in a relay which will see its being carried throughout the Commonwealth before entering the stadium as part of the Opening Ceremony for the Games.The Queen’s Baton 2010 Delhi enjoyed a busy day, visiting three Welsh towns – Wrexham, Caernarfon and Aberystwyth – where it was held by a host of celebrities.
The baton drove 90 minutes from Wrexham to Caernarfon. It arrived at Dinas Railway Station and was taken on board a stream engine drawn train to Caernarfon. A relay was held from Caernarfon Station. The Batonbearers among others included weightlifter Ieuan Owen, who competed in five Commonwealth Games and also competed in the Olympic Games in Munich (1972) was part of the relay. He handed the baton to Wales National Coach, and a Gold Medallist at the 1990 Commonwealth Games, Ray Williams, the last runner of the day. They were accompanied by students.
That part of the relay ended at Caernarfon Castle in North Wales. The baton will continue on its way through Wales before being transferred to Northern Ireland.
(Myrddin John)
