Emdad Rahman
IN A MAJOR COUP, Barking & Dagenham-based Ganador Sports UK have announced Surrey captain Gareth Batty as their new brand ambassador.
Last year the 40 year old returned to the England fold against Bangladesh in Chittagong after an eleven year absence. The spinner shared new-ball duties on day two of the first Test against the Tigers, who were also the opponents when Batty had his last international outing in 2005 at Chester-le-Street.
Batty bowled the second over, only the third time since 1928 that England have opened a first innings with a spinner and he celebrated the comeback by dismissing Tamim Iqbal.
On accepting the role as brand ambassador Batty said, “I’m really looking forward to working with Ganador. There comes a point in your career where you consciously think of the effect you’ve made and looking to the future I feel I’m now working with a well grounded team which will enhance the sport through dynamic and active involvement.”
Despite an array of memories Batty harks back to his early days for his favourite cricketing memory. “My most memorable career moment has to be my Surrey cap, which was 15 years in the making as I started at Surrey and came back again. That was a very special moment,” he said. “Every kid dreams of playing cricket and the pinnacle of a cricketer’s career has to be playing for their country. These are two memories I’ll cherish forever.”
Batty is a role model. Well spoken and an extremely affable character, he is an inspirational figure to both young and old and talks from experience. “Anybody who is lucky enough to perform in front of a paying customer has to understand that this is a privilege only available to a small number of people. It is therefore hugely important for one to portray their respective sport in a positive light,” he said.
“I encourage young people that you should always strive to be better. It’s good to have a dream but always follow your own ones and not someone else’s. You can be whoever you want to be and with dedication and hard work, taking up opportunities and developing through life lessons, you can all reach excellent achievements.”
Also present at the introduction were Qam Farooq, Director of Sales and Media Executive Danny Wilson.
Ganador Vice President Kamal Prabhakar commented, “I have known Gareth since the age of 13 and he played cricket with my late son, the much loved Amit Prabhakar. I received a touching message of support from him as a youngster when my son passed away. Over a decade later I made contact with Gareth and we have now a very strong friendship. It means the world to me to have the backing and support of Gareth and we welcome him with wide arms.”
Ganador Director Kush Singh Nandra added, “Gareth Batty is a huge role model and ambassador and we are very excited to have a star role tremendous role model like him on board.”
•For more information, go to: www.ganadorsports.co.uk www.garethbatty2017.com
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