The Baton was unveiled with a design by Chrisford “Chris” Chayera, a Malawian visual mouth artist who paints by guiding the brush with his mouth. His work gave the Baton panels that reflect Malawi’s identity and sporting culture.
Features included the national flag, Lake Malawi, Chambo fish, Baobab and Palm trees, Mount Mulanje with its tea plantations, and the Gule Wamkulu dance, recognised by UNESCO. Sporting symbols highlighted the nation’s ambition for Glasgow 2026.
In Lilongwe, batonbearers carried the Baton through the city as schoolchildren lined the streets waving flags. Drumming and dancing gave a distinctive rhythm to the celebrations as communities came together to mark the occasion.
On 23 August, the Relay travelled to Salima, where the Baton was welcomed on the lakeshore. Activities included a community clean-up at the Nguwo fish landing site, bringing together athletes, sports officials and local residents. The collected plastic waste was passed to Cool Projects, a Senga Bay initiative, which recycles and upcycles materials into new products. The activity formed part of the Commonwealth Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign, linking sport with sustainability.
Hosting the Baton in Salima was seen as a source of pride and motivation, encouraging wider participation in sport and training across the district.
Beyond Salima, the Baton continued through township roads, rural schools and community sports grounds. Children and young athletes carried it proudly, with families and neighbours clapping and singing as they joined the celebration.
On 25 August, Malawi’s leg of the Relay concluded with a handover ceremony. The Baton was passed to Zambia, marking the next stage of its journey towards the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
