2006 Commonwealth Games Queens Baton Relay
History was made at Laguna Maldives this weekend as the island was chosen out of all the 90 resorts in the archipelago to take part in the Queens Baton Relay for the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games.

With the Baton traveling a total of 180,000 kilometres and visiting 71 nations en route to the start of the games in Melbourne 2006, Laguna was proud to welcome the Baton and represent the country as the 54^th nation on this monumental journey.

The baton was received on behalf of the island by Mr Haleem, Assistant General Manager, who took the baton from the Secretary General of the Commonwealth Games Federation and sailed ashore with it on board a catamaran. With a cheering crowd filling the beautiful beaches and the air filled with the traditional sounds of the Maldives Boduberu drums, the Baton was officially welcomed on to dry land and the relay began.

With both guests and staff participating in the relay, the baton was handed over a total of 30 times as it traveled around the island through a beach soccer game, on a canoe, by guests taking a massage, held high above the crystal clear lagoon by guests snorkeling and many others who were simply relaxing on the beach and enjoying a chilled cocktail. As dusk arrived the final leg of the relay was completed by Mr Habeeb, General Manager, who took the Queens baton down the beach with the sun setting behind him giving the perfect back drop and finale to a wonderful afternoon of events.

The whole event was summarized by the team spirit, friendliness and fun which reflects the ideal of both the Commonwealth and Laguna Maldives. Mrs Helen Jones took part in the relay and said, "I felt very proud and excited to carry the Baton and it was fantastic to see that all of the staff here enjoyed it as well." Also taking part was Mrs Hollingsworth who was spending her honeymoon in resort and who told us "It has made my honeymoon even more special and memorable than it already has been."

After a small closing ceremony and the opportunity for all guests and staff to have their photos taken with the Baton, we bid a fond farewell to the Commonwealth officials with best wishes for the Games next year and everyone who will compete for their nation.