Samoa has launched the King’s Baton Relay for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, with a ceremony held on Monday morning in front of the Government Building at Eleele-Fou.
In keynote remarks delivered at the launch, Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Toelupe Maoiautele Poumulinuku Onesemo said the event marked the start of the Relay’s journey in Samoa and the unveiling of Samoa’s own Baton, designed and adorned by local artistry.
“This occasion signals the start of the Relay’s journey in Samoa and, for the first time, the unveiling of Samoa’s own Baton; designed and adorned by local artistry”
The Deputy Prime Minister said the Baton reflects Samoa’s cultural identity and values shared with the Commonwealth during CHOGM 2024, and noted that Samoa is also the Chair-in-Office of the Commonwealth.
The King’s Baton Relay is a Commonwealth Games tradition, but has been re-imagined for Glasgow 2026, with each of the 74 Commonwealth nations and territories receiving its own Baton to customise and decorate, allowing each country to tell its story.
This year’s Relay theme focuses on plastic pollution, linked to the Commonwealth Society’s Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign and a goal of preventing one million pieces of plastic from entering waterways before the Games begin in 2026.
The Deputy Prime Minister said the ocean is central to Samoa and the Pacific, and that plastic pollution threatens livelihoods and survival. He said Samoa will hold coastal and community clean-up activities during the week, involving government ministries, NGOs, civil society and youth groups.
The Relay is expected to conclude at the Opening Ceremony of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games on 23 July 2026, when the Batons are reunited and His Majesty’s message is read to officially open the Games.
This article is based on keynote remarks by Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Toelupe Maoiautele Poumulinuku Onesemo at the launch of the King’s Baton Relay in Samoa on Monday 26 January 2026, 9.15am, in front of the Government Building at Eleele-Fou.
