The Queen’s Baton Relay, which symbolises the start of the Commonwealth Games, will arrive in Botswana on Thursday for a two-day stay. The historic relay will be making its third appearance in the country.
The Commonwealth Games Federation vice president Gideon Sam will attend this year’s event and amongst the entourage that will accompany him will be journalists from one the world’s leading broadcasters, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).
On January 31, the relay will begin at the Three Dikgosi Monument, pass through Galaletsang Primary School and continue to the Parliament. The relay will have an hour’s break at the British High Commission where the public will be given a chance to interact with guests and opportunities to take photos.
The relay will finish off at Tlokweng where members from the Bikers Association and the Scottish band will also take part in the event.
Botswana’s current and veteran crop of athletes will all participate in the relay; some of the athletes have participated in past Commonwealth Games events while some are scheduled to participate in the event this year.
Athletes who have been confirmed to partake in the event include Nijel Amos, Naomi Ruele, Glody Dube, Oteng Oteng, California Molefe, Lechedzani Luza, Gilbert Khunwane, Isaac Makwala, Goitseone Seleka and Khumiso Ikgopoleng.
Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC) Marketing and Communications Manager, Mpho Motlhabane confirmed the above-mentioned athletes’ participation. “We want the nation to rally behind us; this is their chance to showcase our support. This is a chance for us to show the world that we are a vibrant nation. We encourage Batswana to get involved and be a part of this exciting day,” urged Motlhabane.
Botswana will be represented by 40 athletes at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games that will start in July.