Didier Shema-Maboko, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sports has said that hosting the Queen’s Baton Relay is a way of cherishing the countries participating in the Commonwealth Games and the games themselves. Rwanda will, this month, receive the Queens Baton ahead of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, in what is dubbed as The Baton Relay, where it is being taken to different destinations around the world, as part of the Commonwealth Games traditions. It is expected to reach Rwanda between the 9th and 12th of this month, making it the tenth destination after Uganda. Hosting the Queens Baton is appreciation for the countries participating in the games, Maboko said, adding that is also an opportunity to re-think how sport should be connected with culture and development policies towards social change across the Commonwealth countries.” This is the third time for Rwanda to receive the Baton since 2014. While in Rwanda, the Baton will be taken to the Kigali Genocide Memorial Center, Nyandungu Urban Wetland Ecotourism Park, Lycée de Kigali, Gahanga Cricket Stadium and Kigali City. It will be carried by the captains of national teams and it will be an opportunity to showcase untold stories from Batonbearers, athletes, and young people who are striving for change in their community. Alice Umulinga, the 1st Vice President of Rwanda Commonwealth Games Association said that during the event of hosting the Baton, Rwanda will be focusing on two themes which are inclusion and environment protection.
