A design by Manx artist Lesley Sleight has been selected to feature on the Isle of Man’s baton for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
The baton will appear during the King’s Baton Relay visit to the island in June and later at the Games’ Opening Ceremony.
The announcement was made by His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor at the Rotary Club of Douglas Public Speaking Event at King William’s College, where Sleight was presented with the undecorated wooden baton.
Baton Design
She will now apply her artwork ahead of the relay’s visit from June 13 to 18.
Sleight’s design, inspired by Manx culture and heritage, was chosen by a local judging panel including representatives from the Isle of Man Arts Council and Culture Vannin.
A retired teacher, she began pursuing art during the COVID pandemic and is also a decorated field archer, having twice been crowned World Champion.
Basil Bielich, President of the Commonwealth Games Association of the Isle of Man, welcomed the selection and thanked the Rotary Club for hosting the announcement.
Each Commonwealth nation and territory will customise its own baton, with all 74 set to reunite at the Opening Ceremony in Glasgow.
