Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Queen’s Baton
UNIQUELY made from macadamia wood – native to Australia’s Gold Coast – and reclaimed ocean plastics, the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Queen’s Baton has made its way to Brunei for the Commonwealth Games Queen’s Baton, which will take place today in the heart of the capital.
Designed by Queensland-based Designworks and measuring 650mm in length and weighing 1.4kg, the Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton was inspired by the natural vibrancy, spirit and history of the Gold Coast.
The baton also embodies the boundless energy of the world-famous Queensland city’s people.
The Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay, the longest relay in history of the Commonwealth Games, began on March 13 this year and will travel 230,000km across 70 nations and territories in 388 days before arriving at the Gold Coast, Australia for the start of the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Australia will be hosting the 2018 Commonwealth Games (officially known as the XXI Commonwealth Games) on the Gold Coast, Queensland from April 4-15, 2018. It will be the fifth time Australia has hosted the Games in its 88-year history.
The 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games Queen’s Baton Relay carries a message from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II calling athletes from Commonwealth nations and territories to unite in friendly competition.
The message will only be read out at the opening ceremony of the 2018 Commonwealth Games on April 4, 2018.
The middle section of the baton is additionally illuminated with colours reflecting the warmth and spirit of the Gold Coast.
The Queen’s message is printed on a special paper made in Queensland from Spinifex (a glass-like plant that has extensive traditional indigenous uses) nano materials.
The custom-made paper is an example of what can be achieved by combining traditional methods and modern material technology.
Situated securely on the side of the baton, the folded message paper can be seen through a clear screen attached to the baton. GPS technology has also been installed in the baton to track it in real time.
To follow the Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay, the public can visit the relay website at gc2018.com/QBR.
