SVGNOC launches Queen’s Baton Relay Initiative

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The St Vincent and the Grenadines National Olympic Committee (SVGNOC) has officially kick-started its initiative in respect of launched its segment of the Quadrennial Queen’s Baton Relay (QBR). The launch took place at the Olympic House in Kingstown Park, headquarters of the organisation.

In a brief but nonetheless significant activity at Olympic House, Conrad Simon, Chair of the SVGNOC’s Sub Committee on the Queen’s Baton Relay, highlighted the significance of the QBR within the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF). According to Simon, the Baton will arrive in St Vincent and the Grenadines on the morning of 6 March. There will be activities relating to the QBR’s stay in the country on 7 and 8 March. The Baton leaves the State on 9 March 2010.

The Baton, called Queen’s Baton 2010 Delhi, contains at its pinnacle a precious jewellery box containing the Queen’s message which has been symbolically engraved onto a miniature 18 carat gold leaf, representative of the ancient Indian ‘pathras’.

The QBR takes place in all of the participating countries of the CGF.

The Baton’s journey symbolises the harmony and shared ideals of the Commonwealth of Nations, and will provide an opportunity for the entire Commonwealth to share in the excitement of XIX Commonwealth Games 2010 which will be held in Delhi, India, 4 – 14 October.

The QBR was first introduced at the Cardiff 1958 Commonwealth Games in Wales, where St Vincent and the Grenadines participated for the very first time.

Conrad Simon expressed his own delight at being asked to head the QBR Sub Committee in St Vincent and the Grenadines. He noted that it is important for the sportspeople in the country to participate whether or not they have been selected to carry the Baton while it is involved in the Relay.

St Vincent and the Grenadine swill be sending a national representative team to the Commonwealth Game since October. The Chef of Mission is Jacintha Ballantyne, Treasurer of the NOC. She will be accompanied by Doris Mc Intosh, who will serve as the Deputy Chef for the Games.