The Cook Islands leg of the Queen’s Baton Relay concluded yesterday.

The Queen’s Baton Relay reached Rarotonga on Friday last week and was formally welcomed at a special ceremony held at the Queen’s Residence in Titikaveka on Saturday.

Following the welcome ceremony, the Baton visited various spots in Rarotonga concluding with a triathlon run yesterday before it was packed for shipping in today’s flight.

Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee (CISNOC) acting secretary general Joryna Pokura said: “It (the relay) was very different compared to previous relays, the whole island used to get involved with the Baton however Covid has restricted us in doing so, therefore a lot of the programmes over the weekend were kept to a minimal. This was so we were abiding by TMO restrictions and the Ministerial Orders that were put in place.”

“We managed to get some great content during the start of the weekend, however certain activities were heavily affected by the rainy weather we’re experiencing.”

On behalf of the Queen’s Baton and CISNOC, Pokura thanked “the Queen’s Representative, the Prime Minister’s Office and the Government, the Creative Centre, BlackRock Pre-school, the paddler boys, Koka Lagoon Cruise, Arepua Gateway Church, Edgewater Resort and Spa. CI Triathlon Association, Vodafone, BCI, Aka’uka, Te Aponga Uira, Angle Photography and All the people of the Cook Islands” for taking part in the relay.

“The Queen’s Baton symbolises hope, solidarity, and collaboration across the Commonwealth which is what’s needed most during these trying times.”

The Baton carrying message to the athletes of the Commonwealth Games, signed by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, was launched from Buckingham Palace on October 7, 2021. The Baton’s international route spans an impressive 269 days, spending between two to four days in each nation or territory, covering approximately 140,000 kilometres.