UAE, 9 February 2019: A father and son team will put their determination to the test as they attempt to complete seven 70.3 distance triathlons in seven days across all seven Emirates. 

 

Held in association with the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019, Dubai-resident Nick Watson and his son Rio, a person of determination, are taking on this challenge to raise awareness, acceptance and inclusion of people of determination. 

 

Nick and Rio are part of ‘TeamAngelWolf’ alongside mum Delphine and sister Tia, Rio the Angel and younger sister Tia, Little Wolf. 

 

An Official Ambassador of Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019, Nick Watson and his son Rio will begin their mammoth journey in Fujairah on 10 February and aim to cross the finish line in Dubai on 16 February.

 

Each day Nick and Rio will swim 1.9km, bike 90km and run 21km. Nick will pull Rio in a kayak during the swim, cycle with Rio sat in a seat on an adapted bike and run pushing Rio in a disability running chair.

 

Rio aged 15 yrs has 1Q44 Deletion De Novo, a rare chromosome disorder, which means that he has trouble with walking and speaks through sign language. Nick is a British former Royal Marine and fitness expert.

 

Nick said: “This journey will represent the biggest challenge of my life, taking my boy Rio who is a person of determination across all seven Emirates to raise awareness for the inclusion movement through sport and inspire a healthier global community. 

 

“It is an honour for #TeamAngelWolf in association with Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 to take on this expedition and we encourage others to walk the last 1km leg of the triathlon each day from approximately 3.30pm with us. 

Check the @TeamAngelWolf Facebook & Instagram page for details and locations in each Emirate.”

 

Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi will be the largest sports and humanitarian event in the world in 2019. From 14 – 21 March, over 7,500 athletes and 3,000 coaches, representing more than 190 nations, will participate in 24 officially sanctioned Olympic-style sports in world-class venues throughout Abu Dhabi and Dubai.‫ Nick and Rio’s journey will highlight the Host Town cultural exchange program and Law Enforcement Torch Run, key elements of the upcoming World Games as they travel through the UAE. 

 

The Host Town program will take place nationwide across the UAE in the days preceding the World Games. All seven emirates will host delegations from around the world, giving athletes, coaches, and families a warm, hospitable welcome. Each emirate will provide delegations with an experience of Emirati culture and traditions, including educational, cultural and sports activities.

 

Alongside this, the ’Flame of Hope’ Law Enforcement Torch run which starts with the iconic lightening ceremony at the sacred site of Pnyx, opposite the Acropolis in Athens before making its journey to Abu Dhabi. During the build-up to the World Games, the torch will continue its journey crossing all seven emirates in the country, allowing people across the UAE to embrace the event ahead of the lighting of the cauldron at the Opening Ceremony at Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi.

 

The achievements of ‘TeamAngelWolf’ have previously been acknowledged by both His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai.