The Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Youth and Sports, Ms. Alison Burchell, received the Queen’s Baton at the Colonial War Memorial (CWM) Hospital today.
“It is great that the Queen’s Baton has come today to the CWM Hospital,” she said. “The Baton brings hope and a bright focus for those children admitted to the Children’s Ward.” “It symbolises that all 52 Commonwealth nations are united and we give priority to bringing smiles to those that are unwell or recovering from illness or trauma.”
The Queen’s Baton media officer, Ms. Kate Shaw, while addressing the children at the ward said it was a memorable moment for the Baton to be visiting the CWM hospital and bringing smiles to the many children.
“The Baton is about peace, it’s about diversity – it’s about unity among all Commonwealth countries,” she said. “It’s the longest relay in history and you are all part of that historical event here today.”
The Acting Deputy Secretary Hospital Services, CWM, Dr Luisa Cikamatana Rauto, said “the Baton itself is important as it brings about happiness to the children.”
“I think it brings spirit – the spirit of the Games and if we know the symbolism of the Baton, we all will really appreciate it as it also brings healing to the children.”
The Acting Deputy Secretary and Medical Superintendent, Dr Jemesa Tudravu, said “the Hospital is honoured to be considered to be part of the Queen’s Baton Relay.”
“It brings awareness of the event not only to the staff of the hospital but also to the children – to those that are sick and may not have access to the celebrations.”
The Queen’s Baton Relay team visited the Children’s Ward bringing smiles to over eighty children admitted to the ward.
Caption 1: Permanent Secretary for Youth and Sports Ms. Alison Burchell receives the Queen’s Baton at the CWM.
Caption 2: Permanent Secretary for Youth and Sports Ms. Alison Burchell hands over the Queen’s Baton to the Acting Deputy Secretary Hospital Services Ms. Luisa Cikamatana.
Caption 3: The Queen’s Baton is received by the children at the CWM Children’s Ward.
