TheSportsCampus

The Paramount Chief of the Gambian Village Heads, Mr. Demba Sayang, on Sunday used the opportunity provided by the Queen's Baton Relay 2010 Delhi to call for all of the African people to embrace peace and harmony. "The Queen's Baton is a harbinger of peace and we must understand its message," he said.

"All those years ago, we were aware of the significance of the Queen and it is a moment to celebrate that a baton in which her message to the athletes of the Commonwealth had arrived in the Gambia," he said at a function in Brikama. "The Gambia is an example of peace in entire African region and I request the African people to embrace peace and harmony."

Governor of Western region Mr Lamin Sanneh, who hosted t he function in honour of the baton, said that a Queen's Baton was visiting Brikama for the first time and he was delighted to be associated with it. "I am happy the Commonwealth Games will be in Delhi, capital of a developing nation," he said. Many Alkalos (tribal village heads), dressed in traditional attire, took part in the baton relay from the Lamin Bridge before it was taken to Mr. Sanneh's office.

Earlier, the baton started its day at the office of the Hon. Consul General of India in the Gambia. The Hon. Consul Mr Ram Mohan started the relay towards Lamin Bridge in the nation's western region. A musical troupe that ran with the batonbearer was singing a composition in honour of baton.

Paralympic runners moved with the baton along with Parlympic Association of Gambia President Mr Sulayman Colley, A visually impaired batonbearer said he was delighted to hold the baton for the first time. He said he felt like he were running in the Stadium during the opening ceremony and people were cheering him on.

Yundum Army Barrack Camp Commandant Lt Col Mamtar, joyfully joined as a batonbearer near the Gambian Army Camp where 200 army men and women in uniform took part in the celebrations. The Baton was then received at Lamin Bridge by the Governor of Western region Mr Lamin Sanneh. A lot of people were standing on either side of the road, singing welcome songs for the baton in their local dialect.

After another day in the Gambia, the baton will leave for Ghana where it will arrive on Tuesday.