Louise Martin CBE
Thursday, April 21, 2016
I am honoured to have this opportunity to congratulate the Patron of the Commonwealth Games Federation, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, on Her 90th birthday and 65-year reign as Head of the Commonwealth.
Every four years, the people of the Commonwealth look on with pride, hope and expectation as their nations’ sporting champions prepare to shine. The Commonwealth Games are a place where memories are made, records are broken and lasting friendships are forged. Yet despite the sporting highlights, the Games do not begin with athletes getting into the starting blocks or players preparing to take to the field. Instead, it is Her Majesty The Queen who sets the wheels of this unique Commonwealth celebration in motion; placing Her Message to the Commonwealth inside a baton that is destined to travel across continents.
A message from the Monarch has been read at every Games since 1930, when the inaugural British Empire Games were held in Hamilton, Canada. By 1958, a new tradition had begun: the Queen’s Baton Relay. This memorable occasion saw The Queen place Her message into a specially-designed silver-gilt baton, which a relay of runners then carried to Cardiff for the Duke of Edinburgh to read aloud at the Opening Ceremony. It is a symbolic tradition that engages, unites and inspires the broader Commonwealth, and the Queen is the pivotal figure at the heart of the journey.
Both the significance and the physical journey of the Queen’s Baton Relay have grown ever since that first adventure, and today it visits 71 nations and territories, covering more than 100,000 miles, before the baton is returned to Her Majesty at the Opening Ceremony of the Games. This moment is always a highlight of the event, symbolising the breadth, diversity and humanity of the Commonwealth. Great Britain’s Olympic and Commonwealth Gold Medallist Sir Chris Hoy was the final baton-bearer in Glasgow. For the Manchester Games, this honour was bestowed to footballer David Beckham and charity campaigner Kirsty Howard.
For the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, the Queen’s Baton Relay will take on a further dimension, visiting Commonwealth Walkways in many nations and territories. Her Majesty The Queen gave permission for the creation of these walkways and from London to the Gold Coast, 100 walkways are destined to be built. It is envisaged that they will inspire people to become more active and learn more about the diversity of the Commonwealth.
From its starting point at Buckingham Palace to the many unique destinations it visits en-route, the Queen’s Baton Relay represents a rallying call to the athletes. It extends an invitation to the communities of the Commonwealth to celebrate together. It reminds people from every part of the Commonwealth that our diverse family shares values of humanity, equality and destiny. It also reinforces our shared love of sport and recognises the power of sport to transcend barriers and bring us together.
At the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, the Queen’s message wished the athletes success, saying: “Your accomplishments over the coming days will encourage us all to strengthen the bonds that unite us… Together, you all play a part in strengthening our friendships in this modern and vibrant association of nations.”
Beyond officially declaring the Games open, the Queen’s support for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games was felt in many ways. Her Majesty was keen to go behind the scenes at the sporting venues, meeting not just athletes from across the Commonwealth but also the volunteers and officials who give their time, energy and enthusiasm, making a huge contribution to the success of the Games.
Her visit to the Athlete’s Village was much-anticipated and something that will be long-remembered by those athletes who had the chance to meet Her Majesty. These meetings with The Queen generate happiness, excitement and also some unexpected surprises. Two Australian Commonwealth Games hockey players were amazed when The Queen appeared smiling in the background of their ‘selfie’. This most Royal of photo-bombs quickly went viral, and people around the world got to share in the happiness of the moment.
Her Majesty’s unwavering support for the ‘friendly games’ has coincided with decades of unforgettable sporting achievements and The Queen’s recognition of the power of sport as a force for good is well-known. As the Games have evolved to encompass a wider variety of sports, an integrated Para-Sports programme and participation by athletes from more nations and territories, the Queen and Her family’s enduring support has helped encourage both athletes and everyday citizens throughout the Commonwealth to aspire to greater things.
Her Majesty has said: “in a world more concerned with argument and disagreement and violence, the Commonwealth Games stands out as a demonstration of the better side of human nature.” The Queen herself has led the way, upholding the values and energy of a group of nations that share historical ties and which have emerged unified through contemporary and universal principles of humanity.
In signing the revised Commonwealth Charter in 2013, the Queen affirmed the commitment of member states to the development of free and democratic societies and the promotion of peace and prosperity to improve the lives of all peoples of the Commonwealth. This commitment to development and renewal in the wider Commonwealth is reflected in the transformation of the Commonwealth Games movement, which is actively working to bring together athletes and citizens to build peaceful, sustainable and prosperous communities through sport.
The association between The Queen and the Commonwealth Games is powerful and enduring. As Patron of the Commonwealth Games Federation, The Queen provides strong leadership. She has long been a unifying force for the nations of the Commonwealth – and it is always an honour and pleasure to welcome Her to the Games and support Commonwealth athletes giving their best and inspiring young people on the level playing field of sport. Her support for the Games has been steadfast, and Her vision has given the Commonwealth Games movement real impetus and focus. The Games will continue to evolve, inspired by Her Majesty’s love and commitment to sport and Her people.
Louise Martin CBE
PRESIDENT
