Minister Bakary Badjie and his subordinate officials welcomed Commonwealth Sports Association of The Gambia, led by chairperson Bakary K. Jammeh, who doubles as Second-Vice president of The Gambia Olympic Committee (GNOC) and year's relay chairperson.
Jammeh described the King's Baton relay and previous Queen's Baton Relay, as a symbolic and unifying event organised by the Commonwealth Sports ahead of Commonwealth Games, which happens next summer in Glasgow, Scotland.
He stated that the tradition regarding the Baton has changed and Baton is design as it deems fit.
He stated that the baton is designed in such a way that showcase The Gambia with notable Gambian features designed on the Baton.
Jammeh revealed that they received blank a few months ago.
He pointed out that The Gambia is the last country in Africa to do Baton race and would pass it to Asia on Africa.
The Gambia would be represented in four Sports namely athletics, judo, cycling and para-olympics.
Minister for Youth and Sports , Bakary Y. Badjie, expressed delight for receive Baton, adding that The Gambia is now kick starting the process of its participation at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland in 2026.
"It is a pride for The Gambia to be part of Commonweath. We continue to not just be a member but also participate in all activities being conducted by the Commonwealth Secretariat and other associations that are part of the Commonwealth,'' Minister Badjie said.
Minister Badjie underscored importance of Commonwealth, more especially in enhancing crosscultural relations.
He expressed appreciation to GNOC for presenting the Baton.
Minister Badjie assured GNOC government's support to the Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
