Queen's Baton

The UK High Commission office confirmed that the baton arrived in the country yesterday from Fiji.

The baton relay programme is expected to begin on Thursday at the Samoa Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee Gymnasium, then head towards the Samoa International Cricket Oval, Lakapi Samoa Gymnasium, Netball Indoor Courts and Government Buildings.

The relay will make its final stop at the Samoa International Cricket Association.

The baton rally is the Commonwealth Games' answer to the Olympic torch relay and makes its way around countries within the Commonwealth of Nations before reaching Birmingham where the Games will be held. 

The baton contains a personal message which was recently signed personally by Queen Elizabeth II. 

The relay begins at Buckingham Palace before undertaking a global journey with the baton passed from runner to runner.

The final relay runner hands the baton back to the Queen who will read the message aloud to officially open the Games