In Walvis Bay and Swakopmund, more than 2,000 people took part in celebrations that connected the ocean, community and sport. Olympian Phillip Seidler opened the day by surfing with the Baton in Swakopmund before swimming it to shore through a colony of seals at Pelican Point.
Two catamarans carried schoolchildren and dignitaries to Pelican Point, where Ocean Conservation Namibia led an education and awareness session about marine ecosystems and the impact of pollution. On board, Commonwealth Games Association representative Joan Smit introduced the history of the Games and the purpose of the Baton’s journey. The Deputy British High Commissioner, Ben Stride, joined the Mayors of Walvis Bay and Swakopmund, board members of Commonwealth Games Namibia and partners for the ocean segment.
At Pelican Point, Seidler handed the Baton to Joan Smit on the catamaran before it was passed among schoolchildren as a symbol of shared responsibility. For many of the children, it was their first time at sea and their first opportunity to see seal colonies, oyster farms and learn about the importance of ocean conservation.
On return to the marina, an opening ceremony marked the start of the coastal Baton Relay. The Baton travelled through Walvis Bay, carried by both able-bodied and Para athletes. The first stop was Flamingo Primary School, where drum majorettes performed and pupils took photos with the Baton and the KBR selfie frame.
The Relay continued to the Sunshine Centre, where children with disabilities took part in sports activities and shared refreshments before the group moved through Johanna Benson Street to Independence Beach. The street was lined with cheering crowds celebrating Johanna Benson, Namibia’s Commonwealth bronze medallist and Paralympic gold medallist.
At Independence Beach, Ocean Conservation Namibia led a large community beach clean-up involving 150 schoolchildren. Participants collected litter, sorted plastic waste and discussed the effect of pollution on the marine environment. The activity formed part of the Commonwealth Clean Oceans Campaign, which aims to stop one million pieces of plastic from entering Commonwealth waterways.
From Walvis Bay, Olympian and Commonwealth Games cyclist Dan Craven carried the Baton 37 kilometres to Swakopmund. At the Namibia National Swimming Championships, Craven handed it to a swimmer with Down Syndrome, who completed a backstroke relay using the Baton. Commonwealth Youth Games bronze medallist Maja Brinkmann then passed it to the Mayor of Swakopmund, who, together with the Deputy British High Commissioner, closed the coastal celebrations.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were the Vice President of Namibia, Her Excellency Lucia Witbooi, the Governor of the Erongo Region, Hon. Nathalia Goagoses, and local mayors and partners.
On 27 September, the Baton reached Windhoek. Olympian Beatrice Masilingi opened proceedings by handing the Baton to Deputy British High Commissioner Ben Stride at the British High Commission. The Namibian Police Band played the national and Commonwealth anthems before speeches by Ben Stride and Dr Ndeulipula Hamutumwa, President of the Namibia National Olympic Committee and Commonwealth Games Association.
The Relay then moved through Independence Avenue, led by the Police Band. A flashmob by the OYO Dance Troupe surprised onlookers as the Baton made its way through the city streets. The Relay concluded at Liv Padel, where participants joined activities that included Chess, Teqball, Padel, Rhythmic Gymnastics, Karate Kata and cultural dances. Anti-doping and safeguarding booths provided information for young Athletes.
The youngest Batonbearer was five years old. Olympians, Para athletes, cultural groups and national sports federations all took part.
A highlight of the visit was a courtesy call to Her Excellency Lucia Witbooi at State House, where Petrus Amuthenu, the artist who designed the Namibian Baton, presented his inspiration. The Baton features onyx and ostrich elements alongside designs reflecting the high sand dunes of the Namib Desert, symbolising endurance, strength and the harmony between land and sea.
