Celebrating sport and sustainability: The King’s Baton arrives in PNG

Distinguished Baton Bearers at Hanuabada included Australian High Commissioner Ewen McDonald, NCD Governor Powes Parkop, Motu Koita Chairman Russell Wavik, PNGOC President Emma Waiwai, champion athlete Dika Toua. (Image: Supplied)

Papua New Guinea celebrated the arrival of the King’s Baton yesterday, joining the 500-day global relay leading to the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Since departing Buckingham Palace on Commonwealth Day 2025, the Baton has traveled across the globe, embodying the spirit of excellence, inclusion, and respect.

In PNG, the relay served as more than just a sporting countdown; it became a powerful platform for environmental action.

The British High Commission [BHC] joined forces with the PNG Olympic Committee [NGOC] to support the Commonwealth Clean Oceans Plastic Campaign.

This initiative aims to prevent one million pieces of plastic from entering our oceans. It is a critical mission given that over 150 million tonnes of plastic currently pollute marine ecosystems.

Meanwhile, the first day of the Baton’s journey in PNG featured a massive community clean-up in Hanuabada.

BHC staff, alongside the National Capital District Commission, the Motu Koita Assembly, and nearly 200 volunteers, worked to clear waste from the Badihagwa Roundabout through to Gabi and Elevala villages.

British High Commissioner H.E. Anne Macro emphasized the economic and environmental urgency of the task:

British High Commissioner H.E. Anne Macro was pleased to be a part of the relay, as she handed over the baton to celebrated athletes from Hanuabada. (Image: Supplied)

"For countries like PNG that depend on marine resources and tourism, the impact of plastic pollution is significant. This clean-up helps restore iconic coastal areas and fosters community stewardship."

However, following the clean-up, the atmosphere turned festive as local children engaged in a spirited cricket match.

The relay itself featured a distinguished lineup, including Governor General Sir Bob Dadae, NCD Governor Powes Parkop, and Australian High Commissioner Ewen McDonald.

In a proud moment for PNG sport, H.E. Anne Macro handed the Baton to legendary Hanuabada athletes Dika Toua and Steven Kari.

As the Baton continues its journey to Scotland, the BHC and PNGOC remain committed to the dual goals of athletic excellence and environmental preservation. We wish all PNG athletes the best of luck as they prepare to compete on the world stage in Glasgow.