Summary

Booklet produced in association with the Queen's Baton Relay, part of the 1982 Brisbane Commonwealth Games. Purchased from Timber Museum at Gympie, Queensland.

Physical Description

Queen's Relay and Ceremonial Baton, XII Commonwealth Games, Brisbane, 1982. 32 pages, soft cover, staple-bound. Cover cream, with image of baton at centre and Games logo in upper left corner. Written by Gerald Hancock, assisted by Richard Proctor. Published by William Brooks & Co. (Q) Pty Ltd, Eagle Farm, Qld. Includes brief information on the history of the Games, the Queen's Message, design and manufacture of the baton, 'Aboriginal Symbolism' ('naturally a good fight was enjoyed'), and a map and itinerary of the baton route.

Significance

The Commonwealth Games is a sporting event held every four years among nations of the Commonwealth. The first Games were held in Canada in 1930, then called the Empire Games; the Games were re-named the Commonwealth Games in 1978. Australia has hosted the Commonwealth Games three times - Sydney 1938, Perth 1962 and Brisbane 1982 - and will host the Games in Melbourne in 2006. The Games are an important symbolic function of the Commonwealth, reinforcing friendly ties between the nations and their peoples.
According to the Commonwealth Games Federation, the Brisbane Games are still remembered as one of the most successful, from the spectacular opening ceremony featuring a giant winking kangaroo to fine weather and avoidance of boycotts by member nations. Forty-six nations participated, with a new record total of 1,583 athletes and 571 officials. Australia topped the medal table ahead of England and Canada respectively. Nine sports featured at the Brisbane Games (in contrast to the 16 planned for 2006) - athletics, badminton, boxing, cycling, lawn bowls, shooting, swimming and diving, weightlifting and wrestling.
The Queen's Baton Relay is an important feature of the Commonwealth Games. The baton traditionally begins its journey on Commonwealth Day - the second Monday in March. The Queen places a message in the baton at Buckingham Palace, and it then begins its journey around the Commonwealth, finishing at the host nation. Athletes and non-athletes alike share the privilege of carrying the baton.
The Queen's Relay and Ceremonial Baton booklet was acquired by the donor in July 2004 from a Timber Museum at Gympie, Queensland, where the baton is on display. The Museum is a Branch of the Queensland Museum.

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