Samoa Launches 2026 Commonwealth Games Kings Baton Relay

Apia, SAMOA – 27 January 2026 – Samoa has officially launched her baton for the Kings Baton Relay, leading up to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow on 23 July.

The Baton, uniquely designed to showcase the rich Samoan culture, was launched with a parade from the Samoa Police Headquarters to the Government Building for the formalities on Monday morning.

President of the Samoa Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee – SASNOC – Tuaopepe Jerry Wallwork handed over the baton to Deputy Prime Minister, Toelupe Maoiautele Poumulinuku Onesemo.

Speaking on behalf of the Government of Samoa Toelupe said that the Kings Baton Relay is a cherished tradition of the Commonwealth Games.

Miss Samoa 2026 with the Kings Baton, Deputy Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers and SASNOC Executive Board members after the launch ceremony.

For this Commonwealth Games, the relay has been reimagined in a historic first with each of the 74 Commonwealth Nations and territories receiving its own Baton to customize and decorate in order for each nation to express and narrate its own story.

The theme is “Global Plastic Cleanup in every Commonwealth Nation” in partnership with the Royal Commonwealth Society’s Clean Oceans Plastic Campaign.

The 74 nations of the Commonwealth family are working collaboratively to prevent one million pieces of plastic from entering waterways before the Games begin.

“Each baton carries part of His Majesty’s message to the Commonwealth and its athletes, a call to come together in friendship, fairness, and respect,” said the Deputy Prime Minister.

The Kings Torch with youth and stall owners inside the Fugalei Market. market

Adding that the relay will also carry the hopes for healthy oceans, inspired youth, and strong united communities.
The King’s Baton Relay began at Buckingham Palace on Commonwealth Day, in March of last year. Monday 10 March 2025, when His Majesty The King placed His Message to the Commonwealth that will be carried as part of the Relay into the first Baton.

The Kings Baton Relay will conclude at the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth games in July when all 74 batons will be reunited and His Majesty’s message will be read officially at the opening the Games.

This event is more than just a relay; it’s a global symbol of unity, connecting our community with the entire Commonwealth family.

Samoa concluded with a high-profile final leg featuring rugby legend Tuli’aupupu Muliagatele Brian Lima who carried the baton from the Malaefatu field to the Fugalei Flea Market.

Arriving at the Fugalei market, Lima, took the baton through the stalls to meet with local vendors. This engagement highlighted the relay’s theme of unity, allowing the community to interact closely with both a national sporting icon and the symbolic baton ahead of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

The Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA) took charge of the final transit back to the relay’s original starting site from the morning and was handed over to Raema von Reiche, the Chef de Mission (CDM) for Team Samoa.

The handover marked the official conclusion of Day 1 of the historical five-day King’s Baton Relay (KBR2026) in Samoa.