THE HONOURABLE MINISTER FOR YOUTH AND SPORTS
LAISENIA TUITUBOU
• The Commonwealth Games Federation Regional Vice President Oceania
• Members of the diplomatic corps
• Representatives of FASANOC
• The team accompanying the Queen’s Baton
• Members of the various sporting bodies
• Dignitaries
• Invited Guests
• Ladies and Gentlemen
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Bula vinaka, Namaste, Salaam aleikum and a very good evening to you all!
It gives me much pleasure to be here this evening welcoming the Queen’s Baton Relay to Fiji. I welcome the team that has guarded the Baton on its journey across the Commonwealth and around the Pacific.
I would like thank the Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee for choosing me to be the first Queen’s Baton bearer out of the Tanoa International Hotel early tomorrow morning. As the Minister for Youth and Sports and a sports-mad Fijian, it is indeed a privilege to be given such a marvellous opportunity.
Ladies and Gentlemen, we are celebrating the arrival of the Queen’s Baton in Fiji. The official launch of the 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay was done on 13 March by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace.
This event marks the journey of the Queen’s Baton through 52 Commonwealth nations before arriving in the Gold Coast for the 2018 Commonwealth Games. The Queen’s Baton will cover approximately 230,000km over 388 days making this the longest in the Games’ history.
I pay tribute to our friends from the Commonwealth Games Federation and the Gold Coast organising committee for ensuring that this is an inclusive Relay reflecting a truly inclusive Games.
The Baton signifies peace, harmony and reflects the interconnectedness of all Commonwealth countries.
It is a bond that is continuously renewed and which serves as a reminder that we are one, connected by the messages, reflected by Her Majesty, of hope and everlasting harmony.
It is a powerful symbol that reflects both the unity and diversity of the 52 Commonwealth nations. It carries a special message from Her Majesty that will be read out on completion of the Baton’s epic journey.
Ladies and Gentlemen, the Commonwealth Games have a very rich history since their inception in 1930.
It not only lists the participation from many great athletes and numerous host nations. It also celebrates the contributions, sacrifices and the participation of smaller nations like Fiji and others.
Fiji, has participated in all but three Commonwealth Games since 1938, missing out only in 1990, 1994 and 2010. We have won 15 Commonwealth medals across six sports and we are proud of this achievement as a small Pacific island nation.
The Games represent inclusivity, bringing together able bodied and disabled athletes. They truly reflect the value of sport - to have inclusive and equal participation from all.
I ask all Fijians to show our support for the Queen’s Baton Relay.
Please ensure the Queen’s Baton relay team has a smooth journey as they pass through our towns and villages.
Show our Bula spirit, our hospitality and your humility in guiding them through just as our Honourable Prime Minister guided the COP23 process in Bonn.
I wish the team all the best in your journey ahead. I have no doubt that the 2018 Commonwealth Games will be successful and set new standards in performance and organisation.
I look forward to seeing you all tomorrow bright and early!
Vinaka, Dhanyabad, Shokran and Thank you.