A sense of grandeur enveloped the village of Soso on Naviti Island in the Yasawa Group as the baton for the 2026 Commonwealth Games made its arrival yesterday. Villagers gathered enthusiastically at the community hall to witness the ceremonial presentation of the baton, which was carried into the village by Jese Saukuru, the Minister for Youth and Sports.
Saukuru expressed his optimistic thoughts on the significance of the baton, highlighting its representation of friendship and unity among the Commonwealth of Nations as preparations intensify for the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. “This baton symbolizes friendship and unity in the shared spirit of the Commonwealth of Nations as we gear up for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow,” he remarked.
The baton made its journey from Viti Levu, transported by boat from Port Denarau to the picturesque island, with the assistance of officials from the Fiji Association of Sport and National Olympic Committee (FASANOC) and government representatives. Upon its arrival, Saukuru received the baton warmly before he carried it into the village hall, where he presented it to the Turaga na Tui Naviti.
During his speech, he emphasized the profound sense of community the baton represents, stating, “Today marks a very special moment for our nation. It is more than just a baton; it is about bringing our communities together.”
The baton’s journey through Fiji will be documented over the next five days, with a scheduled stop in the Capital City of Suva for a day filled with events beginning at 9 AM and concluding at 6 PM. On Friday, the baton will travel to Pacific Harbour, finishing in Ba. Saturday will see a day packed with events, starting with a clean-up campaign at the Suva Foreshore at 8 AM, before it makes an appearance at the Super Rugby Pacific match between Swire Shipping Fijian Drua and the Hurricanes at Churchill Park in Lautoka.
The baton will continue its tour until it concludes in Ovalau next Tuesday. Saukuru emphasized Fiji’s commitment to supporting the Commonwealth values that unite people. “As a proud member of the Commonwealth, Fiji is always ready to support and celebrate the values that unite us, whether it’s through sports, education, or youth programs—all coming together for a shared purpose,” he stated.
The baton’s journey ignites a spirit of unity and celebration, marking not only a countdown to the Commonwealth Games but also a reaffirmation of communal bonds across Fiji.
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