Kipsiro spearheads Queen's baton relay

By James Bakama

DOUBLE Commonwealth Games gold medalist Moses Kipsiro will be the lead runner in activities to mark the arrival of the Queens baton in Uganda starting today.

According to a schedule of events marking the two-day activities, Kipsiro, a gold medallist at the 5000 and 10000m at the last Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, will receive the baton at 8.45am at Entebbe airport’s VIP lounge.

Kipsiro will thereafter run to the Special Forces headquarters in Entebbe where a special parade will be held before handing over to other runners who will bring the baton to Kampala.

Kipsiro, is also looking to the 2014 Commonwealth Games to return to the big stage. This is after fruitless outings at the 2012 London Olympics and 2013 Moscow World Championships.

The baton carries a message from the Head of the Commonwealth, currently Queen Elizabeth II. The Relay traditionally begins at Buckingham Palace in London as a part of the city’s Commonwealth Day festivities.

The Queen entrusts the baton to the first relay runner. At the Opening Ceremony of the Games, the baton is handed back to the Queen.