Dubai: The Watsons, a family of four, is striving against odds to inspire society towards healthy living, especially among the younger generation.
When older son Rio, now 14, was born with a physical disability, father Nick Watson, wife Delphine and younger daughter Tia (10) decided to collectively pursue a healthy lifestyle and hand out a dual lesson to community — gratitude for a life and staying healthy through sport.
Last Thursday, Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Sports Council saw live footage of Nick physically hauling Rio onto his back and completing the gruelling 5km course at the Nad Al Sheba Night Challenge obstacle race held as part of the Nas Ramadan Sports Tournament. Shaikh Hamdan announced a special prize for the Watsons’ ‘Team Angel Wolf’ in recognition of their spirit.
“The main focus for ‘Team Angel Wolf’ is to spread awareness about children with disabilities so that the next generation is inspired towards a healthy lifestyle. It also tells society that if we can do it with our son then why not everyone else who has a perfectly sound body?” Nick queried.
For the record, the Nas Night Challenge was the 43rd race this season for the Watson family along with an ever-increasing group of fellow racers, fans and supporters. The Watsons love triathlons, but of late they have been participating at the obstacle races sprouting all over the UAE.
During a swim, Rio goes into a specially-made kayak that one of team pulls with a strap, and during a cycle ride the youngster goes into a front seat of a cycle, and in a push-seat during a road run. In Thursday’s race, Rio alternated between a harness on a stretcher or strapped on his father’s back during the obstacles. “He [Rio] races with us at every competition, and he absolutely loves it,” Nick disclosed.
“Two years ago, we set up Team Angel Wolf, and now, with partners and sponsors to back us this is a full-time job for us all,” he added.
“We didn’t meet Shaikh Hamdan personally on Thursday, but hopefully there will always be a next time to thank him for his support,” he said.
