Get Set for the Queen’s Baton Relay

On 9 October 2013, an epic journey began.

Starting at Buckingham Palace, Her Majesty the Queen (Head of the Commonwealth) placed a secret message to the Commonwealth inside a baton. This baton was then sent off on its voyage around the Commonwealth, to visit the diverse communities of the 70 nations and territories preparing to compete this summer at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games,which will feature 17 sports, including five Para-Sports. You can find out more about the sports they’re competing in by clicking on the links below:

Find out more about the 17 sports at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games here.
Find out more about the 5 Para-Sports at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games here.

As it travels for 288 days, covering over 190,000km, the baton is a powerful symbol of the unity and diversity binding the Commonwealth nations in coming together for the Games, to celebrate sport and culture. Each time the baton is passed on, it cements Commonwealth friendship and reinforces the ways in which we are connected.

The content of the message the baton holds will remain a secret until the Queen reads it aloud to all competing teams at the Opening Ceremony of the Games at Celtic Park, on 23 July 2014.

Many schools enjoyed supporting Team GB and ParalympicsGB, as well as athletes from around the world, at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. We are keen for this celebration and support of athletes, teams and nations from around the world – and in local communities – to continue for those teams that will take part in the 2014 Commonwealth Games, like Team England, Team Scotland, Team Northern Ireland and Team Wales.

Capture the spirit of the baton and the message it carries and engage your pupils in supporting the UK’s Commonwealth Games teams, with these activities inspired by the Queen’s Baton Relay.

These ideas, guidance and support resources are designed to be flexible and to reflect the amount of time you have available and the age and ability of your pupils.

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