Commonwealth Sport Malta has successfully concluded the local hosting of the King’s Baton Relay. The major event marks an important milestone on the road to the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, which will take place from 23 July to 2 August 2026. The journey united athletes, students, and community groups across both Malta and Gozo in a celebration of sport and culture.

A New Tradition for the Baton

For the first time in the history of the Games, each of the 74 Commonwealth nations received its own unique Baton to customise. All 74 Batons will reunite at the Opening Ceremony in Scotland, where the final message will be read to His Majesty The King to declare the Games open.

The core Baton is crafted from sustainable Scottish ash hardwood. It features three interlocking pieces that symbolise connection and unity. Built without complex electronics, it serves as a simple, sustainable blank canvas for each country to decorate.

[Maltese Cultural Symbols Used on the Baton]
 ├── The iconic Luzzu boat
 ├── The watchful eye of protection
 ├── Warm Maltese limestone tones
 └── Bright village festa colours

Designing Malta’s Canvas

Students from the MCAST Institute for the Creative Arts designed the Maltese Baton. Their creative work combined the true soul of the islands by using sustainable materials to display the traditional Luzzu boat, the protective eye, local limestone textures, and the vibrant colours of a village festa.

The Journey Across Malta and Gozo

The Relay team visited schools, sports clubs, and environmental sites across both islands:

• School Visits: Students at Santa Monica School in Gżira and Gozo College Rabat Primary School welcomed the Baton and took part in interactive sports days.
• Environmental Clean-Up: Commonwealth Sport Malta partnered with local NGO Żibel for a clean-up in St Julian’s. A team of 43 volunteers collected 1,031 kilogrammes of waste from the land and sea.
• Sporting Unity: Athletes from Athletics Malta, the Malta Golf Association, the Malta Rugby Football Union, and the Beach Handball team gathered around the Baton. The invitation was extended to all local sports federations, even those not participating in the Glasgow program, to share the Commonwealth spirit.

Several elite local athletes on track for the Glasgow 2026 Games and the 2027 Commonwealth Youth Games in Malta joined the journey, including Sasha Gatt (Swimming), Aiden Muscat (Triathlon), Kayla Slack (Athletics), Sophie St John (Gymnastics), and Tenishia Thornton (Weightlifting).

Celebration at the British High Commission

The journey concluded with a special ceremony hosted by Her Excellency Victoria Busby OBE at the Residence of the British High Commissioner. The event honoured the MCAST design team and Żibel volunteers with certificates and mementos for their hard work.

“The King’s Baton Relay has shown what the Commonwealth stands for at its best — connection, participation, and a shared sense of purpose,” said Julian Pace Bonello, President of Commonwealth Sport Malta. “We are enormously proud of our MCAST students, our partner organisations, and every volunteer and athlete. Glasgow 2026 awaits, and Malta will be ready.”