REMARKS BY HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR JOHN S. DUNCAN, OBE
AT THE RECEPTION AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE FOR THE
GOLD COAST 2018 QUEEN’S BATON RELAY

Monday, 3 July, 2017

7:00 p.m.

In this era of emails, internet and virtual reality, there is something quite special about physically taking a message around the world. Over a period of 288 days the baton will have visited 70 nations and territories, covered 190,000 kilometres and involved a third of the world’s population.

But let’s not forget what this is all about. It is about more than simply a group of people travelling around the world carrying a baton to promote a sports event. Every time the Baton is passed, it reinforces the friendship that remains steadfast among Commonwealth nations.

Ever since Cardiff held the Commonwealth Games in 1958, the Queen’s Baton Relay has been a tradition that brings together athletes from the past, athletes currently in training and looking forward to competing in Glasgow and aspiring young athletes. A tradition that we are delighted to be part of today.

John S. Duncan, OBE
Governor