Dubai: There cannot be a more motivating sight than that of wheelchair-bound young men pushing every ounce of their energy to overcome the challenges of life.
And if that is not enough an inspiration, then an 86-year-old woman running on a Friday morning should be sufficient to get us cracking.
Celebrating the diversity and inclusiveness of Dubai, the second edition of the Emirates NBD Unity Run on Friday saw more than 3,000 people from different walks of life sharing in the joy of life.
Held in support of people with determination, the combination of a 10km run and a 3km walk raised funds for Al Noor Training Centre for Persons with Disabilities, Senses Residential and Day Care Centre as well as Emirates Red Crescent.
Led by Emirates NBD’s flagship advocacy platform #TogetherLimitless, the community event saw people of different abilities and from different generations running and enjoying the gift of life.
Among the participants were members of the UAE Paralympic team Omair Mohammad and Adel Al Beloushi as well as hundreds of other people of determination.
“I am here on behalf of Dubai Club for People with Determination to support the cause of inclusiveness. I try to take part in as many sports events as possible to encourage people of different abilities and show them what is possible,” said Mohammad, who takes part in javelin and discuss throw and other sports for the UAE national Paralympic team.
Mohammad, who is from Pakistan, loves getting up in the morning and exercising.
“Being out in the morning and participating in such an event is an amazing feeling and I want more people to experience this,” he said, adding “whoever you are, whatever you do, wherever you are, just take a day off, go somewhere far away and take a long walk in the morning and see how it changes your life.”
Mohammad’s longtime friend Al Beloushi is a Paralympic weightlifter and it is the first time he is taking part in a community run.
“Being a sports lover, I share a passion for physical activities with my friend Omair, but this is my first run and I am loving it. It is amazing to see so many people here who are from different age groups. I would love to do this more often,” said the 27-year-old Emirati.
Organised by Fitt Group, the Unity Run was held at Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) that saw four generations of people walking and running together.
Sculptor Reena Nirula was taking part in her second run and with her she had her octogenarian mother Nirmal Chopra, daughter Ragini Mulay, 32, and granddaughter Gayatri Mulay, six.
The 54-year-old was proud to be part of the quartet representing four generations.
“I took part in the Women’s Run recently and just loved it, so this time I got the whole family involved. It’s so wonderful being here and having all generations of my family with me enjoying the gift of life,” said Nirula, who is from India.
There were several such families, who together gave a new meaning to inclusiveness.
Basking in the success of the run, Ruth Dickinson, managing partner of Fitt Group, said the event shows that it is much more than just about creating awareness and raising funds.
“The Emirates NBD Unity Run is a very inspirational event to work on. This event is about togetherness and including the people of determination in the mainstream. It shows what people can do and what support they need in a fully inclusive life,” said Dickinson, who is a specialist in organising fitness and sports events.
The event had a free entry for people with determination and children under five, while participation for adults cost Dh165 and children above five took part for a fee of Dh100 each.
