The Queen’s Baton Relay visited Nauru, the smallest Commonwealth Games Association and the world’s smallest island nation! Nauru is located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean and has a population of just over 10,000. Pupils from Nauru Secondary School welcomed it at Nauru International Airport and relayed the Baton around the airfield.
On 5th February the Baton toured all 14 districts of the island: Boe, Aiwo, Buada, Denigomodu, Nibok, Uaboe, Baitsi, Ewa, Anetan, Anabar, Ijiuw, Anibare, Meneng, Yaren! Along the way people held up hand painted signs to welcome its arrival.
After visiting the communities, the Baton was taken to Nauru Museum to explore local history. One of the items housed in the museum is the first Nauruan flag to have ever been made. The design of the flag has huge significance, the white 12-pointed star represents the island’s 12 original tribes, while its position on under the yellow stripe represents the nation’s proximity to the equator.
The following day’s activities kicked off with a bike ride led by His Excellency Lionel Aingimea. The procession stretched from Nauru Sports Complex to Anibar Boat Harbour. Then, the Baton boarded a boat and did a whole lap of the island.
The day ended with a church service in the Ewa district, where local children performed a hula dance.
