The Queen’s Message Read Out at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium

Commonwealth Games 2010

The Queens Baton Relay 2010 Delhi concluded at the Opening Ceremony of the XIX Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi in Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium when the last batonbearer Vijender Singh handed over the baton to HRH Prince Charles. He then read out the Queen’s Message to the Athletes which Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II had placed inside the Queen’s Baton 2010 Delhi which started its journey to the 71 nations and territories of the Commonwealth from Buckingham Palace in October 2009. The baton travelled a stunning 1,90,000 kilometre before reaching the host nation in June 2010. Once in India, it travelled another 20,000 kilometre around the country before reaching its final destination Delhi on 30 September 2010.

Reproduced below is Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Message to the Athletes:

“Just under a year ago, at Buckingham Palace, I placed this message in the Baton which then began its long journey to the Opening Ceremony of the 19th Commonwealth Games in Delhi. On its way, it was carried by relay runners through all the territories of the Commonwealth as an invitation to participate in these Games.

“It is particularly fitting that the 2010 Commonwealth Games are being held in India. Recently, we have celebrated the 60th Anniversary of the London Declaration, when Indian Independence brought into being the modern Commonwealth of Nations. Since then, it has grown from just eight member countries to its present membership of 53, represented here today by the 71 Commonwealth nations and territories participating in these Games. I firmly believe that when countries can compete in sport together like this, it serves as an inspiration to all nations to work for peace throughout the world.

“These Games, with their festival of sport and culture, involving the youth of the Commonwealth, would not be possible without the efforts of so many people, in India, and beyond, and without the participation of so many teams, the dedication of so many athletes, and the involvement of so many voluntary officials. To them all, and to all spectators, I send my very best wishes for what I hope will be experience of a lifetime. “I have much pleasure in declaring the 19th Commonwealth Games open.” ELIZABETH R.

Source: http://www.cwgdelhi2010.org/news/queen%E2%80%99s_message_read_out_jawaharlal_nehru_stadium