CWG Queen`s Baton Relay arrives in Canada

Toronto: Canada`s sporting legends and upcoming prospects were in attendance when this year`s Commonwealth Games` Queen`s Baton Relay (QBR) arrived.

The Games are scheduled from October 3 to 14 in New Delhi and as the QBR touched down in the city, it was received by close to 20 past and present athletes and officials. Canadian baton bearers, who participated in the relay in Toronto, included 1934 Games silver medallist in athletics and the flag bearer for Team Canada at the 1936 Berlin Olympics James Worrall and 1962 Perth Commonwealth Games athletics champion Dr Bruce Kidd. Others participants included 2008 World Wrestling Championship`s bronze medallist Ohenewa Akuffo, 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games rhythmic gymnastics gold-medallist Alexandra Orlando and Team Canada Chef-de-Mission for the Delhi Commonwealth Games Martha Deacon. The relay, which is similar to the Olympic Torch Relay, began on October 29 last year at London`s Buckingham Palace. The Baton travels through a 190,000 kilometer route connecting 71 nations and territories that make up the Commonwealth of Nations Preeti Saran, Consul General of India, said the QBR would leave for Ottawa tonight. After visiting nearly 71 nations of the Commonwealth, the Baton would embark upon a 100 day national tour of India starting June 25 and would reach Delhi on October 3 for the inauguration of the Games. On the preparations for the games, Saran said the new stadia and other infrastructure were taking shape and would be completed on time. "Every effort would be made to ensure a befitting and successful conduct of the games," she said.Speaking on the occasion, Chairman of the Media Committee of the Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010, Tarlochan Singh said over 300 sportspersons from Canada are expected to participate in the Games and they need not require visa for India. "Their registration with the Commonwealth Games Committee would be enough," he said. The Baton will travel through the Parliament Hill in Ottawa and other parts of the city where the High Commissioner of India to Canada S M Gavai would welcome it today. The Baton would go to Australia next week. PTI