DUBAI // The emirate's fitness community has reacted with shock at the news that one of its best-loved figures has died.
Elwood McIlwraith, who was married in February, died this weekend. The circumstances of his death are as yet unclear.
Mr McIlwraith, from Yorkshire in the UK, served in the military for five years before moving to Dubai to work as a fitness coach at Smart Fitness in Jumeirah Lakes Towers.
Today, fellow industry figures paid tribute to a man who was as a larger than life character in the local fitness community.
"In the fitness world, everyone knew him. Not just because he was a great athlete, but also because of his positive energy," said Enisa Glavovich who runs Noviplus, who had links with Mr McIlwraith through Smart Fitness.
"He had a beautiful smile, and always took care of others around him. He was one of those people who leave you feeling inspired and motivated to live your life better."
Grant Goes, the founder of FitnessLink, also knew Mr McIlwraith on a professional level.
"It's a massive shock," he said. "He was one of the nicest guys I've ever met.
"He was a lot of fun and always there to help and support when you needed it. It still blows me away to know that he's not here anymore."
Colleagues of Mr McIlwraith at Smart Fitness were unwilling to comment except to express their shock. "We're all pretty shook up," said one former colleague.
Dubai Police were not immediately available to confirm the circumstances of Mr McIlwraith's death.
mcroucher@thenational.ae
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SPECS
Barbie
New UK refugee system
- A new “core protection” for refugees moving from permanent to a more basic, temporary protection
- Shortened leave to remain - refugees will receive 30 months instead of five years
- A longer path to settlement with no indefinite settled status until a refugee has spent 20 years in Britain
- To encourage refugees to integrate the government will encourage them to out of the core protection route wherever possible.
- Under core protection there will be no automatic right to family reunion
- Refugees will have a reduced right to public funds
What is the FNC?
The Federal National Council is one of five federal authorities established by the UAE constitution. It held its first session on December 2, 1972, a year to the day after Federation.
It has 40 members, eight of whom are women. The members represent the UAE population through each of the emirates. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have eight members each, Sharjah and Ras al Khaimah six, and Ajman, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain have four.
They bring Emirati issues to the council for debate and put those concerns to ministers summoned for questioning.
The FNC’s main functions include passing, amending or rejecting federal draft laws, discussing international treaties and agreements, and offering recommendations on general subjects raised during sessions.
Federal draft laws must first pass through the FNC for recommendations when members can amend the laws to suit the needs of citizens. The draft laws are then forwarded to the Cabinet for consideration and approval.
Since 2006, half of the members have been elected by UAE citizens to serve four-year terms and the other half are appointed by the Ruler’s Courts of the seven emirates.
In the 2015 elections, 78 of the 252 candidates were women. Women also represented 48 per cent of all voters and 67 per cent of the voters were under the age of 40.
What is tokenisation?
Tokenisation refers to the issuance of a blockchain token, which represents a virtually tradable real, tangible asset. A tokenised asset is easily transferable, offers good liquidity, returns and is easily traded on the secondary markets.
While you're here
The National Archives, Abu Dhabi
Founded over 50 years ago, the National Archives collects valuable historical material relating to the UAE, and is the oldest and richest archive relating to the Arabian Gulf.
Much of the material can be viewed on line at the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive - https://www.agda.ae/en
Brief scores:
Day 1
Toss: South Africa, field first
Pakistan (1st innings) 177: Sarfraz 56, Masood 44; Olivier 4-48
South Africa (1st innings) 123-2: Markram 78; Masood 1-4
Brief scores:
Toss: South Africa, chose to field
Pakistan: 177 & 294
South Africa: 431 & 43-1
Man of the Match: Faf du Plessis (South Africa)
Series: South Africa lead three-match series 2-0
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
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Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
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Match info
Uefa Nations League Group B:
England v Spain, Saturday, 11.45pm (UAE)
