Commonwealth Sport Malta has completed the hosting of the King’s Baton Relay, marking a key milestone on the road to the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, which will take place from 23 July to 2 August 2026. The Relay brought together schools, sports organisations, athletes and volunteers across Malta and Gozo in a programme focused on sport, culture, sustainability and community engagement.
The King’s Baton Relay forms part of the build up to the Commonwealth Games and features Batons from all 74 Commonwealth nations and territories. Each country designs and customises its own Baton, which will later be brought together at the Opening Ceremony in Glasgow, where the message inside will be presented to His Majesty The King to officially open the Games.
This edition of the Baton reflects Commonwealth values of Humanity, Equality and Destiny and is made from sustainably sourced Scottish ash hardwood. The design features interlocking sections that symbolise connection between Commonwealth nations.
In Malta, the Baton was designed by students from the MCAST Institute for the Creative Arts. Their design incorporates cultural and national elements including the traditional Luzzu boat, the protective eye symbol often associated with Maltese maritime heritage, Maltese limestone and colours linked to village festas. Sustainable materials were used in the production process.
The Baton travelled across multiple locations in Malta and Gozo. In Gżira, students at Santa Monica School took part in activities connected to the Baton visit. A community environmental initiative was also held in St Julian’s in collaboration with the organisation Żibel, where 43 volunteers collected 1,031 kilogrammes of marine and land waste.
Sports organisations also participated in the programme, with Athletics Malta, the Malta Golf Association and the Malta Rugby Football Union taking part in the Relay. Beach Handball athletes also engaged with the Baton during training activities despite weather conditions. Commonwealth Sport Malta extended participation to a wide range of sporting bodies, including those whose disciplines are not part of the Glasgow 2026 programme.
The Baton also visited Gozo, where students at Gozo College Rabat Primary School took part in a sports based programme linked to the Relay. Athletes identified for potential selection for Glasgow 2026 and the 2027 Commonwealth Youth Games in Malta were also involved in the initiative.
The King’s Baton Relay concluded at the Residence of the British High Commissioner, where a ceremony was held to recognise contributors, including MCAST students and representatives of Żibel.
Commonwealth Sport Malta President Julian Pace Bonello stated that the Baton Relay reflected the values of the Commonwealth through participation, community involvement and collaboration across different sectors. He noted the involvement of students, volunteers and athletes as central to the success of the programme and highlighted the importance of Malta’s participation ahead of Glasgow 2026.
