Monday, 14th March 2005 (2737 views)

A long voyage for the golden baton that symbolises the Commonwealth Games has begun today, launched by the Queen.

Beginning in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace, the gold and magnesium baton will be set on its way across the world to Melbourne, Australia.

The two metals comprising the baton have been chosen for their representation of key experiences in Melbourne's history - primarily the Victoria gold rush of the mid nineteenth century when people from all over the globe were drawn to the area in the hope of making their fortune.

Magnesium is one of Australia's primary metal industries, with the country one of the biggest producers in the world.

The baton is equipped with global positioning technology to help pinpoint its location as it makes its epic journey.

The Commonwealth Games, last held in Manchester in 2002, will take place in 2006.

 

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