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CWG Delhi 2010 Update: Queen's Baton meets 200-year old Jonathan

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The Queen's Baton Relay 2010 Delhi celebrated the spirit of the XIX Commonwealth Games, which are the first-ever ‘Green Commonwealth Games' with a 200 years old tortoise, Jonathan, who is St. Helena's oldest inhabitant.

jonathan_tortoise.jpgOne of the main highlights of the Queen's Baton Relay 2010 Delhi, has been its prominent message of ‘Green Games' and its stress on environment protection. At St. Helena, the baton emphasized the same message strongly by visiting a Plantation House to see Jonathan the tortoise. Jonathan is not only the oldest island inhabitant but is also said to be the oldest of its kind. He came to St. Helena in 1882 when he was 52 years old. He resides in the gardens of Plantation House, the Governors residence along with 5 other giant tortoises and he weighs about 200kg.

At St. Helena, the baton also trekked through the island's rough terrain to reach its highest point. On the way, the baton visited schools, recreation centers and interacted with various communities, spreading the message of equality, peace and clean environment.

Being a small knit community, all efforts were made to ensure the baton touches as many homes as possible. Housebound residents, senior citizens and the disabled all got a chance to hold and welcome the baton. They all fondly remembered Melbourne 2006 Baton Relay as well.

A young Batonbearer then got the chance to carry the baton to the highest point in Saint Helena. The scenic and panoramic view of Jamestown from the highest point was truly breathtaking.

As the relay culminated, almost the entire population of the island descended upon the port of Jamestown, St. Helena, to give the QBR a warm send-off before it boarded the ship on its onward journey to the famous Falkland Islands through Ascension.

The Queen's Baton is now on a historic voyage to the Ascension Island after a stop-over at St. Helena. This boat journey will take the baton through the rough Atlantic waters for another four days at sea.