Dubai: Biliana Ssenyange, a Bulgarian mother and her 10-month baby daughter Yasmine were in for a pleasant surprise when they were awarded a special prize by Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Sports Council (DSC).
Ssenyange, whose husband Esmail is a long distance runner, turned up for Friday night’s 10km road race at the Nad Al Sheba (NAS) Sports Complex with her baby in tow in a pram. As the Bulgarian mum ran, Shaikh Hamdan slowed down his car and cheered the young mother exhorting her to continue.
Midway through the race, the baby cried and Ssenyange stopped to feed it before continuing with her run. She was among the last to cross the finish line before being mobbed by waiting media and television crew as little Yasmine peacefully slept in her pram.
“This is all too much attention for me to handle,” Biliana told Gulf News. “I came for this race with the hope that I could start shedding off some excess weight after my delivery. But Shaikh Hamdan gave me the biggest gift when he stopped and urged me to continue the run. This is the biggest memory for me. He is such a down to earth, humble and simple person. He is so special. I could not have asked for a better gift,” the Bulgarian runner added.
Ssenyange, who was accompanied by her husband Esmail — a brand ambassador for footwear company Skechers — was later presented with a special prize at the behest of Shaikh Hamdan.
“I feel humbled. I hope my achievement tonight will encourage people in the UAE, especially youngsters to adopt a healthy lifestyle,” she said.
