Carmarthenshire welcomes King’s Baton Relay on route to Glasgow 2026

Carmarthenshire County Council hosted the King’s Baton Relayon Saturday 20 June, welcoming communities, athletes and visitors from across the county as part of the of the official UK journey of the Commonwealth Games baton.

The event saw the Baton travel through six key locations, showcasing Carmarthenshire’s sporting talent, community spirit and commitment to active lifestyles. Residents turned out to support Baton Bearers and take part in a programme of activities and demonstrations representing all ten Commonwealth Games sports.

The Relay began at Canolfan Pentre Awel in Llanelli, where netball, swimming, boxing and artistic gymnastics were showcased, before continuing to Llanelli Weightlifting Academy and Amman Valley Leisure Centre. The route then progressed through Carmarthen Leisure Centre, Bro Myrddin Indoor Bowls Club, and concluded at Carmarthen Velodrome, where cycling featured as part of the final stage of the day.

Baton Bearers from across Carmarthenshire played a central role, including young people, volunteers, local athletes and community champions whose contributions reflect the county’s strong community networks and active culture.

The Relay also provided an opportunity to launch the county’s “Design a Baton” schools competition, encouraging young people to explore creativity and cultural identity as part of the wider Commonwealth Games celebrations. The winning pupil is Rory Gravelle.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure and Tourism, Cllr Hazel Evans, said:

We are proud to have hosted the King’s Baton Relay here in Carmarthenshire. The event brought communities together and provided an opportunity to showcase the range of sporting facilities and opportunities available across the county.

It has helped highlight the importance of physical activity and community participation, while offering residents the chance to be part of a significant national event. We would also like to wish Harry Best, Mari Grug, Ken Owens and James Moore the best of luck representing Carmarthenshire at the Commonwealth Games.”

The Relay forms part of the lead-up to the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, where all 74 Batons from across the Commonwealth will be reunited at the Opening Ceremony.

Carmarthenshire County Council thanks its partners, volunteers, local organisations and residents for their support in delivering the event.