Commonwealth Games baton begins island tour

A Commonwealth Games baton has begun its week-long tour of Jersey as part of the build-up to the event.

The traditional relay, which travels from Buckingham Palace around the world to the opening ceremony, has been given a revamp.

Instead of featuring a single baton, each of the 74 nations and territories taking part has personalised its own baton with a design that showcases its culture and values. They will all come together at the Glasgow opening ceremony on 23 July.

Jersey's baton has been designed by local artist Nicholas Romeril and features Jersey cows, Jersey lilies and coastal scenery.

Romeril said he was asked to work on the design a year ago.

He said: "We had a couple of meetings and we were trying to decide obviously three sides for the baton, which is quite difficult.

"We were thinking about doing sporting ones and then we kind of thought well the history of Jersey is really interesting and the agriculture of Jersey."

He said it was "fantastic" to be part of the competition.

"I'm a very, very proud Jerseyman and so whenever I can support Jersey I do, and I just feel that it's a great way and the Commonwealth Games is just a magnificent event.

"It gets everyone together. It's a marvellous opportunity."

On Monday, Jersey athletes began the baton's island tour by presenting it to the Lieutenant Governor Vice Admiral Sir Jerry Kyd, at Government House.

Over the next week, it will be travelling to local sports clubs, community groups and events, including the Jersey Sport Schools Festival, Parkrun and the annual Kids Triathlon.

Kyd said: "It's fantastic, you know, seeing the team gather here this morning before they go up to Glasgow to compete for Jersey.

"It's a wonderful celebration of sport and connecting people around the world as the Commonwealth does so well."

One of the athletes who presented the baton was 17-year-old swimmer Hannah Sterry, Jersey's youngest competitor and only athlete under the age of 18.

She said she was training hard to get ready for the games.

"I'm very excited at the moment and hopefully later on the nerves don't get too much but I'm just enjoying it at the moment," she said.

She added she was looking forward to "soaking up" the atmosphere and the behind-the-scenes experience at Glasgow this summer.

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