The Commonwealth is one major worldwide organisation of which Gibraltar can be proud to belong and be accepted as equals, certainly on the sporting field.

From the late 50s (1958 Empire Games, Cardiff), Gibraltar has been sending the pick of its individual sportsmen and women in half a dozen sports to a dozen Games as far afield as New Zealand and Canada , with plenty of stopovers at ‘the pink bits’ in between, around the Commonwealth.

Next summer in Delhi, India, this Rock of ours will be represented by those who have met the standards set by the GCGAssociation for the XIX Games.

Symbol of these Games is the Queen’s Baton which every four years circles the Globe - 71 nations of The Commonwealth ‘ on which the sun never sets’.

The Queens Baton will be arriving at Gibraltar Airport, 7.20 this evening, from the UK since Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II entrusted it to the first of the relay runners at Buckingham Palace on 29th. October.

This visit will be a splendid

occasion for all to enjoy and speculate on the world body to which we belong.

On Thursday morning at 11, a Relay will set off from the East side of the Victoria Stadium to John Mackintosh Square by Queen’s Baton Delhi 2010 team accompanied by Commonwealth Games Athletes as well as schoolchildren.

The Baton Relay will be started by Minister for Sport, Edwin Reyes.

Route: Stadium – Bayside Road – Waterport Roundabout – Casemates – Main Street – John Mackintosh Square.

Once at John Mackintosh Square The Mayor will receive the baton and give an address.

There will be a lunch at the Top of the Rock to invited guests and a Mayor’s reception in the evening, 7.00pm at City Hall.

On Friday it is hoped that the Queen’s Baton relay team will be visiting local schools; followed by a Rock Tour in the afternoon.

The GCGA will hosting a Gala Dinner at The Elliot Hotel, in attendance

will be H.E. the Governor, the Mayor and Sports Minister as well as representatives of local sporting associations.