STATEMENT BYMR. BAI DODOU JALLOW, PRESIDENTOF THE GAMBIA NATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE & COMMONWEALTH SPORTS ASSOCIATIONON THE OCCASION OF THE KING’S BATON RELAY INAUGURATION

ARCH 22, BANJUL

15TH OCTOBER 2025

Your Excellencies,

Honourable Ministers,

Members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps,

The British High Commissioner,

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Our Cherished Youth and Schoolchildren,

It is a great honour and privilege, on behalf of the Gambia National Olympic Committee & Gambia Commonwealth Sports Associationand the entire sporting fraternity, to welcome you all to this historic inauguration ceremony of the King’s Baton Relay here in our beloved capital city, Banjul.

The King’s Baton Relay is one of the most treasured traditions of the Commonwealth Games, a remarkable global journey that carries a message from His Majesty King Charles III, Head of the Commonwealth, to all participating nations and territories. As the Baton travels across continents, it passes through every corner of the Commonwealth before arriving at the Opening Ceremony of the Games, where the King’s message is read aloud.

This journey is not just ceremonial; it is a living testament to the Commonwealth’s unity, friendship, and shared values. The Baton symbolizes peace, collaboration, and mutual respect through sport. As it is handed from one nation to another, it connects people of diverse cultures, inspiring hope, pride, and a collective commitment to building a better world.

For The Gambia, and indeed for all Commonwealth nations, this occasion is more than a sporting event. It’s a celebration of our humanity, solidarity, and shared destiny. It gives us the opportunity to:

•           Celebrate youth participation and community engagement through sport;

•           Showcase our national culture, identity, and hospitality to the world;

•           Promote the values of inclusivity, sustainability, and excellence that define the Commonwealth spirit; and

•           Inspire our young generation to embrace teamwork, discipline, and unity—the very essence of the Games.

Here in The Gambia, proudly known as “The Smiling Coast of Africa,” we welcome this Baton with open arms and warm hearts. Our reputation for hospitality, peace, and friendliness mirrors the Commonwealth’s core ideals of togetherness and respect. As the Baton passes through our nation, it reminds us of our responsibility to use sport as a tool for harmony, understanding, and progress.

To our young people: the King’s Baton is not just a symbol, it is an invitation. It calls upon you to dream boldly, to believe in yourselves, and to contribute to shaping a future built on unity and opportunity. Through sport, we can build bridges of hope and valleys of opportunity, for today’s youth and for generations yet to come.

This event also demonstrates the vital role of sports in promoting diplomacy, strengthening communities, and nurturing young talents. The GNOC, working in partnership with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, remains committed to advancing the cause of sports development and using the power of sport to inspire national pride and global cooperation.

On behalf of the Gambia National Olympic Committee and the Gambia Commonwealth Sports Association, I extend sincere gratitude to Commonwealth Sport, the British High Commission, our government partners, and all volunteers and participants for their invaluable contributions to this event.

As the King’s Baton continues its journey across the Commonwealth, may its message of hope, peace, and unity echo across our borders and into the hearts of all who believe in the power of sport to create a better world.

Thank you.