TODAY marks a historic moment for Fiji as the nation officially launches its leg of the King’s Baton Relay, a six-day journey that will carry the Commonwealth Games spirit across the islands before continuing to the Cook Islands. The relay, which began at Buckingham Palace in March 2025, is the longest in Commonwealth Games history, spanning all 74 nations and territories ahead of the Glasgow 2026 Games.
The Fiji relay will be unveiled this morning at Naviti Village in Yasawa by the Hon. Jese Saukuru, Minister for Youth and Sports. In a traditional ceremony, the Baton will be blessed to begin its journey across the country, celebrating Fiji’s proud place in the Commonwealth family.
For the first time, each Commonwealth nation has been given its own Baton to design. Crafted from sustainably sourced Scottish ash wood, Fiji’s Baton is a unique representation of the nation’s cultural identity. It will serve as a vessel for the King’s message and a symbol of the country’s heritage and hopes as it travels across the islands.
The relay program is packed with events that showcase Fiji’s communities, schools, and sporting spirit. A key feature of Day 4 will highlight Fiji’s commitment to environmental stewardship through its participation in the global Commonwealth Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign, with Royal Commonwealth Society and Commonwealth Sport to collect and prevent one million pieces of plastic from entering Commonwealth waterways.
Day 1 (Feb 25): Baton unveiling and blessing ceremony in Yasawa Islands with the Minister of Sport Hin. Jese Saukuru.
Day 2: Mini Baton Relay at Albert Park, visits to Suva schools and special education centers, and appearances at national sports facilities.
Day 3: Baton travels to Pacific Harbour’s Arts Centre, Lomary Secondary School, and Govind Park, coinciding with Fiji’s Women’s World Cup 2027 qualifier against New Caledonia.
Day 4: “Save Our Fiji” clean up campaign, at Suva Point, Lami, and Wailoaloa Beach, followed by appearances at the Drua rugby match and Vuda Marina.
Day 5: A church service at Sacred Heart Catherdral then a Drug Awareness march with the Methodist youth.
Day 6 (Mar 2): A heritage journey to Levuka, Fiji’s first capital, with appearances at Levuka Public School, Saint Johns College, the Deed of Cession site, before heading to Queen Victoria School, and Ratu Kadavulevu School before the Baton departs for the Cook Islands.
The Fiji relay will be carried by a diverse group of baton bearers, including athletes and chef de missions, past and present. Among them are Naibili Vatunisolo, bronze medalist at the last Commonwealth Games; para table tennis representative Akanisi Latu; weightlifter Helen Seipua; and legendary judoka Nacanieli Takayawa, who won gold in Manchester 2002. Their participation symbolizes the strength and inclusivity of Fiji’s sporting community.
More than a ceremonial journey, the King’s Baton Relay is about inspiring future athletes, strengthening community bonds, and promoting environmental stewardship, a value deeply embedded in Fiji’s participation in the Commonwealth Clean Oceans Alliance. As the Baton travels across villages, schools, and stadiums, it carries not only the King’s message but also the hopes and dreams of a nation bound by history and looking towards a united future.
Follow the Fiji relay on FASANOC’s social media channels for daily highlights, stories, and coverage of the Baton’s journey.
