TASANOC presents symbolic Baton to Britain as countdown begins for Commonwealth Games 2026

His Excellency Mr Malone was joined by Britain’s Deputy High Commissioner Emma Macri and TASANOC Secretary-General and CEO Mrs Netina Latu Vea.

The King’s Baton is a symbol of unity among the 74 nations and territories participating in next year’s Commonwealth Games in July and August. As the countdown begins, each nation takes its turn in the spotlight to feature a Baton it designed itself. This is a first in Games history and an opportunity for each country to powerfully express its cultural identity.

Tonga CGA selected renowned master carver Sitiveni Fehoko to craft Tonga’s Baton. His detailed carvings on Scottish Ashwood honour Tonga’s deep ocean heritage and its early leadership in Pacific seafaring and navigation.

The Glasgow Games King’s Baton Relay began in March 2025 in the Caribbean and has since continued through parts of Africa and Asia. This year’s Relay is the longest and most inclusive in Commonwealth Games history, taking place over a 500-day journey.

Tonga takes centre stage in this worldwide event from 1-7 February 2026, before the Relay continues throughout the South Pacific and the Americas, arriving in Glasgow in July for the Games’ Opening Ceremony.

When the spotlight turns on Tonga, the Baton will tour aged-care homes, community centres, and the Vailo Hospital—bringing the spirit of the Games to every corner of Tongatapu.

During the week, church groups, community organisations, and government leaders will unite for three days of beach and waterfront clean-ups across Tongatapu to support the Commonwealth Games’ global Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign to remove one million pieces of plastic from the world’s waterways during the Relay.

Tonga CGA will contribute to this campaign starting next week with a series of free Come and Try community sports sessions and clean ocean community education activities in December and January.  Kids aged 9-12 in waterfront communities are invited to join in basketball, netball, swimming and volleyball while participating in interactive activities focused on protecting and cleaning Tonga’s beaches and marine environment.

Tonga CGASecretary General and CEO, Mrs Netina Latu Vea, said:

“The King ’s Baton Relay represents unity, pride and the shared commitment of all Commonwealth nations. Tonga’s Baton tells our story—our identity, our ocean, and our people. We are honoured to contribute to the global ‘Plastic Free Oceans’ effort and to showcase Tongan creativity and culture through our deep connection to water.”

‍

DETAILS OF CLEAN OCEAN EDUCATION INITIATIVE:

TUESDAY 16 December 2025

WEST COAST VILLAGES
For residents of Ha’atafu, Kolovai, Kanokupolu, ‘Ahau, Ha’avakatolo and Fo’ui.
Meet at Kolovai FWC at 9am.

Wednesday 17 December 2025
CENTRAL
For residents from Kolomotu’ato Patangata
Meet at Popua Park at 9am.

Tuesday/Wednesday 27/28 JANUARY 2026
WATERFRONT – EASTERN VILLAGES
For residents from Niutoua to Nukuleka
TBC .

For more information about the Clean Ocean Education Initiative, visit the TASANOC Facebook page or contact TASANOC: 8624850 or tasanocsdo@gmail.com

‍