Royalty At Queen's Baton Reception
By James Kon

Bandar Seri Begawan - His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah, the President of Brunei Darussalam National Olympic Council, consented to attend a welcoming reception at the Empire Hotel and Country Club yesterday afternoon.

The event was hosted by Mr Christian Bennett, the Australian High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam, in conjunction with the 18th Commonwealth Games Queen Baton's Relay that is currently taking place in Brunei Darussalam.

Upon arrival, His Royal Highness was greeted by the Australian High Commissioner.

The reception kick started with a choir performance specially invited from Australia.

In his welcoming speech, Mr Bennett said the Queen's Baton Relay is one of the great traditions of the Commonwealth Games. It has been the curtain raiser to every games 'since Cardiff, Wales in 1958.

According to Mr Bennett, it symbolises the gathering of people from across the Commonwealth at the four-yearly festival of sport and culture. It has evolved into a powerful symbol of the unity and diversity of the Commonwealth of Nations.

He added that the baton is a technologically advanced instrument capable of beaming video pictures back to the Commonwealth Games web sites and in which GPS technology ensures its position is always tracked.

The Australian High Commissioner continued to say the curved form of the baton takes its aspiration from the physical form of athletes arching forward as they strive for success.

The 71 larger lights on the front side of the baton indicate the 71 nations of the Commonwealth, which will progressively light up as the baton arrive in each Commonwealth country, symbolising the gathering of the nations.

After the speech, Mr Bennett received the Queen's Baton from the last runner of the day then proceeded to hand it over to HRH Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah who then passed it on to one of the runners who placed the Queen's Baton on the stand to mark the end of the relay for the first day.

Mr Bennett then presented a pesembah to HRH Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah.

Today the Queen's Baton relay will continue on its journey through Brunei Darussalam by making its way back to the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium, passing through the heart of the capital in the morning. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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