The Queens Baton Relay delegation arrived in Lesotho from Swaziland on June 28 and was met by Minister of Gender, Youth, Sports and Recreation Mrs. 'Mathabiso Lepono and the President of Lesotho National Olympic Committee (LNOC) 'Matlohang Moiloa Ramoqopo.

The delegation includes two Commonwealth Games Federation officials, one member of the Commonwealth Games organising committee as well as a member of Australian police service whose duty is to provide security, according to LNOC Public Relations Officer, Manyathela Kheleli.

The Baton will be taken around Maseru city starting from the Royal Palace, seen off by Cabinet Ministers, representatives of the Senate and National Assembly  as well as local athletes and the public.

From Maseru it will proceed to Ha Mohale, carried by Commonwealth medalists Thabiso Moqhali and Letuka Sephula.

'The baton will then be flown to various parts of the country by a helicopter to give as many people as possible an opportunity to view the Queen's Baton Relay,' Kheleli said.

The event is considered as a curtain raiser for the Melbourne, Australia Commonwealth Games scheduled for next year.

It is expected to cover some of the 71 Commonwealth member countries and will be in the country for the first time.

28 June 2005