Countdown to Queen’s Baton Relay – Arrival in Turks & Caicos is April 6, 2022

#TurksandCaicos, March 3, 2022 – The Commonwealth Games Queen’s Baton will be in the Turks and Caicos Islands from April 6-8, 2022 as part of its epic journey to 72 nations and territories of the Commonwealth, containing the Queen’s Message for the Athletes of the 22nd Commonwealth Games to be held in Birmingham, United Kingdom July 28-August 8, 2022.

Coordinator of the Queen’s Baton Relay, Mrs. Rita Gardiner, said: “The CGA is very pleased to partner with the Governor’s Office, Premier’s Office, Ministry of Tourism and the Tourist Board, Ministry of Youth and Sports and Ministry of Culture, thereby ensuring that the Queen’s Baton Relay 2022 will be a huge success as we carry out our objectives of Youth Empowerment and Sustainability.’

The Queen’s Baton Relay is a Games tradition that celebrates, connects and excites communities from across the Commonwealth during the build up to the Games.

To commemorate the Turks and Caicos’ arrival, billboards will be unveiled on every inhabited island simultaneously, at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday 1^st March, 2022.  This unveiling will be the kick off to the local media interest and awareness drive during the entire month of March until the Baton’s arrival.

The Baton will arrive at the Providenciales International Airport at 10:55 a.m. via Inter Caribbean Airways JY271 from the Bahamas and will be met by H.E. The Governor, H.E. Deputy Governor, Honourable Premier, Minister of Sports, Minister of Tourism, Leader of the Opposition, other Dignitaries, President of the CGA and Executive Members, who will receive the Baton, Members of the Media as well as school children, civic organizations and residents.

President of the Commonwealth Games Association, Mr. Godfrey Been, said: “The Baton will visit the Turks and Caicos on its epic journey for the 5^th time in the history of the Queen’s Baton Relay, making its debut for the first time in 2006 under the presidency of Mrs. Rita Gardiner, OBE, who will be organizing the events once again along with the CGA Members and the Queen’s Baton Relay Committee.     

Although we are going through unprecedented times we are looking to host the Baton with the utmost care and protection for all those involved and following the Covid-19 protocols.

As always, we will include the School Children and ensure that every island and cay throughout the length and breadth of the Turks and Caicos is represented with a visit and will showcase their best attributes:  our hospitality, great cuisine, world class beaches and historic sites.”

During each visit, nations and territories will host events and activities that showcase untold stories from Baton bearers, athletes and young people who are striving for change in their community, as well as showcasing a project that addresses at least one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

GLOBAL JOURNEY

The global journey will conclude at the Birmingham 2022 Opening Ceremony where the final Baton bearer will return the Baton to Her Majesty the Queen for reading to the 4,500 athletes taking part in 11 days of spectacular sport, culture and comradery.

Commonwealth Games Federation President, Dame Louise Martin DBE, said: “The Queen’s baton Relay is one of the most special aspects of the Commonwealth Games as it so vividly symbolises the friendship, respect and unity across our 72 nations and territories.”