Before the Commonwealth Games begin, in Melbourne, Australia, 2006, the Baton is being taken around all the Commonwealth Countries. Ynys Mon/Anglesey and Holyhead had the honour of having the Baton pass through the area. A party of Australian officials were, and are, entrusted with taking the Baton around all the Commonwealth countries and local people are given the opportunity to carry the Baton. The Baton was passed, at Menai Bridge, to Ray Williams, a Gold Medal winner at the 1986 Commonwealth Games and current Welsh Weightlifting Team Coach.. Andy Goswell and Arfon Roberts were also involved in passing the Baton, as was Gareth Evans. It was then presented to Anglesey County Council Chairman Cllr Arwel Roberts, Council Leader WJ Williams and Welsh Commonwealth Chief Executive Myrddin John. It was then carried by local cyclists, Will Stewart, and Dave Jones. Will had the Baton mounted on his bike and cycled along the A5 with it. After photographs, etc, being taken along the way, the Baton arrived, on the biycle at Holyhead. It was then carried by other athletes along Newry Beach Promenade. Also greeting the Baton were about 400 people and some Welsh Guards! The Baton contains 71 (representing each of the Commonwealth countries) lights and has the technology inside it to enable people to track it’s progress via the internet. check out www.melbourne2006.com.au
