Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, the Crown Prince of Dubai, has helped a teenager with a rare disorder by pushing his running chair during the Dubai Run.
Rio Watson, 18, has a chromosome disorder known as 1q44 deletion denovo. This affects his motor skills but it has not stopped him from taking part in sporting events alongside his father, Nick.
His latest achievement was taking part in the 10-kilometre run on Dubai’s Sheikh Zayed Road on Friday.
Rio and his sister Tia, a keen triathlete, were at the head of the run – part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge – when Sheikh Hamdan spotted them and began to push Rio in his running chair.
“This was a special moment that Rio and Tia will always remember, be honoured and grateful for,” Mr Watson said on Instagram.
“It was a beautiful example of inclusive impactivity.”
Rio’s sporting exploits show no sign of slowing down and he, along with his father, is taking part in a 50km ultra marathon on Thursday, December 2, to mark the UAE’s 50th anniversary.
The event is being organised by Team AngelWolf, which was set up by Mr Watson to encourage people to be more inclusive of those with disabilities as well as embracing their own health.
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One of Dubai's biggest thoroughfares was closed to traffic this morning, as tens of thousands of runners took part in the Dubai Run. Ruel Pableo / The National -
The annual event is the culmination of the month-long Dubai Fitness Challenge, where UAE citizens, residents and visitors are invited to take part in 30 minutes of exercise, every day for 30 days. Ruel Pableo / The National -
Participants enjoy the carnival atmosphere on Sheikh Zayed Road. Ruel Pableo / The National -
The Dubai Run started next to the Museum of the Future at 6am. Ruel Pablo / The National -
Jumping and jogging, the early morning run saw people in high spirits. Ruel Pableo / The National -
The race ended near the Dubai World Trade Centre. Ruel Pableo / The National -
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, at the start of the Dubai Run. Ruel Pableo / The National -
Sheikh Hamdan soaks up the atmosphere. Ruel Pableo / The National -
Families and children made up much of the crowd for the fun run, which has two routes along Sheikh Zayed Road, one of 5km and one of 10km. Photo: Dubai Media Office -
Runners gather outside the Museum of the Future, at the start of the run. Photo: Dubai Media Office -
Participants take selfies in front of the Musuem of the Future. Ruel Pableo / The National -
The Dubai Run started before sunrise. Ruel Pableo / The National -
Thousands of people took part in the run. Photo: Dubai Media Office -
Dubai Police supercars lead the way at the start of the Dubai Run. Photo: Dubai Media Office
