Friday was Tobago’s turn to witness the King’s Baton Relay.
The Trinidad and Tobago Commonwealth Games Association’s contingent will make stops across the island over a three-day period and give Tobagonians an opportunity to see the baton.
The King’s Baton Relay is a prestigious international event that marks the lead-up to the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Arriving at the ANR Robinson International Airport’s departure terminal, the King’s Baton Relay was celebrated with a cultural presentation as Secretary Joel Sampson and Assistant Secretary Wane Clarke welcomed the contingent.
President of the Trinidad and Tobago Commonwealth Games Association, Diane Henderson, said the baton was designed with elements of Tobago included.
“Several aspects of Trinidad and Tobago were captured in the baton that represent who we are as a people and also the colour was also one of the things that also was displayed here because we are such a multicultural and colourful society, so that is also displayed through the colour. So we are quite proud of it and privileged to be the first host nation to have the baton to host in the whole 74 nations.”
As part of the tour, the contingent also planned to visit schools on the island where the students will see the baton firsthand.
“So that the young athletes and the young students would all have an experience and understanding of the Commonwealth. They are now considering themselves Commonwealth sport, so it is the move from a federation to a sport movement, and all of that would be communicated to the students.”
On Saturday, they will also make a visit to the Courland Beach Facility. TTCGA Secretary General Annette Knotts said this facility is significant to the Commonwealth Federation.
“That is a direct legacy of Trinbago 2023 when we had the Commonwealth Games. The facility was built in under four months, and it was one of the outstanding facilities of the Games. It has continued to be one of the most outstanding beach facilities in the Caribbean.”
Athletes Akanni Hislop and Akim Stewart will also join the group in the three days of activities.