Activities centred around Kivu Beach in Rubavu District, where community, sport and sustainability came together in a programme reflecting the Commonwealth’s values of unity, equality and shared purpose.
The day began with a large-scale plastic clean-up along the shores of Lake Kivu, organised by the Rwanda National Olympic and Sports Committee in partnership with the Ministry of Sports, the British High Commission, the Rwanda Environment Management Authority and Rubavu District. Volunteers, students and athletes collected litter as part of the Commonwealth Clean Oceans Campaign before joining an environmental awareness session promoting long-term stewardship of Rwanda’s natural resources. British High Commissioner Alison Thorpe joined participants for the activity, planting trees and commending the strong community involvement.
Rwanda’s Baton, designed by INK Design Ltd, featured Amahoro Stadium, the Kigali Convention Centre, gorillas, cycling and traditional Imigongo art motifs, symbolising the nation’s resilience, heritage and ongoing progress.
Batonbearers included cyclist Eric Muhoza and athlete Claire Uwitonze, both of whom represented Rwanda at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. They carried the Baton during the day’s events, which also featured a 3x3 inter-schools basketball competition with equal participation from boys’ and girls’ teams, reinforcing Rwanda’s commitment to gender equality and youth development through sport.
Rwanda NOC President Alice Umulinga encouraged young athletes to intensify their preparations for the upcoming Games, emphasising that the Baton's theme of “Talent” aligns with the country’s vision of empowering youth through sport.
The relay concluded with a reception at the British High Commission in Kigali, where officials, partners and athletes reflected on Rwanda’s hosting of the Baton for the fourth time and celebrated the completion of the African leg of the King’s Baton Relay.
