Queen’s baton visits Daveyton
The Commonwealth Queen's Baton Torch made its way to Daveyton on Tuesday.
The baton landed in the country on Monday at the OR Tambo International airport.
Sports legends such as Innocent Mayoyo and Pollen Ndlanya were invited to be part of the team which took the baton through Daveyton.
The theme of the day was sports against xenophobia and a five a side soccer match was played by members of the Ayoba soccer academy, playing against United, which had players from Nigeria, Ghana and Cameroon.
Zeni Tshongweni is the MMC of Sport in Ekurhuleni, she said the theme was fitting for the location chosen.
She said “this event is hosted close to where a Mozambican taxi driver Mido Macia was allegedly dragged by police and later died of his injuries.”
Tshongweni urged the community to be tolerant towards one another regardless of nationality.
Vice-president of the Commonwealth Games Federation Gideon Sam told the crowed that the Queen’s baton carries a message of humanity which should be practiced.
He also said that the baton comes to Daveyton on the day that Nelson Mandela was released from prison, making it a very significant day, “Madiba supported sport because it unites people,” said Sam.
Innocent Mayoyo said to him the event was a display that sport is taken seriously and as part of developing our country.
“It is an honour for me to be invited by Sascoc and have the opportunity to touch the baton and represent the community of KwaThema,” added the former soccer player.
The Commonwealth games are scheduled to take place this July in Glasgow, Scotland.
