Old Haberdasher selected to carry the Commonwealth Baton

On 7 October 2021, at a special event at Buckingham Palace, Her Majesty The Queen placed her message to the Commonwealth into the Baton, signifying the start of the 294-day relay to the 72 nations and territories of the Commonwealth. As it travelled, the Baton inspired people from different nations to come together and hosted moments of celebration ahead of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Martin Dyan (OH 2002) had the honour as the basketball representative of being selected to carry the Baton at the Olympic Park on Tuesday 5 June during its travels through the UK on its worldwide  journey. In addition to the message from the Queen, the Baton contained a camera, heart sensor of the runners, and  atmospheric sensors.

Martin has been involved for many years with basketball, not only as Captain of the team at Habs, but also through recent training of players, national and international promotion of the game, tournaments for charity and, in particular, the 3X3 style of basketball.

By pure coincidence, Martin ‘handed over’ the baton to fellow Old Haberdasher Riyaz Dhalla (OH 2003), who had himself been selected to carry the Baton in recognition for his work during the pandemic setting up the Watford-based Hand on Heart Charitable Trust, providing essential packs to the homeless, refugees and underprivileged children across the country.