QUEEN’S BATON VISITS BAHAMAS HIGH COMMISSION IN LONDON IN HONOUR OF 2017 COMMONWEALTH YOUTH GAMES IN NASSAU, 19TH – 23RD JULY, 2017

London, United Kingdom – On 14th March 2017 at 9:30 am the Queen’s Baton arrived at The Bahamas High Commission carried by the Gold Coast 2018 Team to mark the lead up to the 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games in Nassau, Bahamas (19th – 23rd July) and the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia. The Team was greeted by His Excellency Eldred E. Bethel, High Commissioner, and Mrs. Louise Martin CBE, President of the Commonwealth Games Federation. The Queen’s Baton was then presented to High Commissioner Bethel by President Martin followed by remarks.

High Commissioner Bethel conveyed to President Martin that “The Bahamas is honoured to have been selected to host the 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games and the people of The Bahamas are anxiously looking forward to welcoming the athletes, coaches and fans from around the Commonwealth of Nations.”

Commonwealth Games Federation President Louise Martin CBE said: “The Youth Games are a joyful celebration of sporting competition, personal development and international friendship. We’re thrilled to bring the Queen’s Baton to Bahamas House, before it sets out on its epic journey, which will include – for the first time ever – a visit to the Commonwealth Youth Games when the Queen’s Baton Relay lands in the Bahamas in July.”

The visit by the Queen’s Baton to Bahamas House follows the official commencement of the Queen’s Baton Relay at Buckingham Palace yesterday in commemoration of Commonwealth Day 2017.
The presentation of the Queen’s Baton to High Commissioner Bethelheralds the first timethat the Commonwealth Youth Games will be held in the Caribbean regionwith The Bahamas as itshost nation.The presentation also commemorates the first time that the Queen’s Baton will be a part of the Commonwealth Youth Games.
These Games will be the largest and most diverse multi-sport event to ever be contested in The Bahamas and the country is expected to welcome to its shores approximately 1300 athletes between the ages of 14 – 18 competing in nine disciplines for close to 100 medals.

It will also mark the first time that three new sports, Beach Volleyball, Beach Soccer and Judo, will premiere in the Games. The Games will also see the return of the sport cycling.
Through the campaign “Who’s Next?” the Games aims to use sport as the gateway to young people aspiring to be the next great scientist, politician, medical professional, educator or athlete. It also echoes the theme and values of the Commonwealth ‘Celebrating A Peace-building Commonwealth’ through the use of sport to bring about peace in friendly competition to build lasting friendships, decrease borders, erase political divides and strengthen Commonwealth Unity.

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Pictured in front from left: H.E. Bethel, High Commissioner, Bahamas High Commission, Mrs Louise Martin CBE, President of the Commonwealth Games Federation. At the rear from left is: Ms. Allison Booker, Deputy High Commissioner, Ms. Rachel Simon, Head of Commonwealth Youth Games, Commonwealth Games Federation, Mr. Wilfred T. Adderley II, Second Secretary/Vice Consul, , Bahamas Tourism Office Mr. Bernis Pinder, Maritime Attache Mr. Anthony Stuart, Director of Europe