POST GAMES REPORT - Commonwealth Games Federation

The schedule of planning had a somewhat delayed start,
with the FA coming into operation only in April 2009. This
delay resulted in slight slippage in the Manual-stipulated
timelines. However, with extra effort and unparalleled zeal,
the team not only made up the lost time but produced the
best relay ever conducted for the Commonwealth Games.
Lasting 340 days and covering 1, 90,000 km across the
globe, this was one of the longest relays. Starting with its
launch by Her Majesty the Queen on 29 October 2009 at
Buckingham Palace, in the august presence of the President
of India, the relay travelled to all the 71 Commonwealth
nations and territories. It was received with great enthusiasm
throughout.
The baton was a vital aspect of the QBR and its concept
of design was based on depicting India’s rich diversity through
the display of varying soil colours from different parts of
the country. The baton, designed and created by an Indian
company was packed with high-end technology.
the diverse fabric of India, the baton in addition to being a
symbol of sports, also became a symbol of national unity, an
integrator in its true sense.
The long relay required months of hard work and
meticulous planning. It goes to the credit of the OC CWG
Delhi 2010 that the event was conducted flawlessly.
Recommendations
• Try to ensure that a minimum of two full days is spent in
each country; that CGAs should always include at least
two photo opportunities in their programme; that CGAs
adhere to requested rest days which have been agreed
on; and that they prepare realistic schedules and that the
programme be adhered to
The national sector of the relay commenced on 25
June 2010. Over the next 100 days, a core team of 90 in
an assorted convoy of 27 vehicles moved through all the
28 states and seven union territories of India creating great
waves of excitement. In remote areas, where road movement
was not possible or practicable, the baton was moved by air
by a smaller team of nine. As the relay progressed through
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