Father and son join forces for Dubai triathlon to show sport has no barriers

Rio's Run is being held to encourage people to be more inclusive of people with disabilities

Nick Watson and his son Rio will be taking part in a triathlon together on Saturday to raise awareness about people with disabilities. Courtesy: Nick Watson

Nick Watson and his son Rio, 17, get ready to take to the sea. Courtesy: Nick Watson

Nick Watson and his son Rio take part in the swimming part of a triathlon together. Courtesy: Nick Watson

An aerial view of Nick Watson and his son Rio taking part in a triathlon. Courtesy: Nick Watson

Nick Watson and his son Rio have completed 17 middle-distance triathlons together and plan to make it 18 on Sunday. Courtesy: Nick Watson

A father-and-son team will embark on a custom-made triathlon in Dubai on Saturday.

Nick Watson, 51, and his son Rio, 17, plan to complete a 1.9km swim, a 90km bike ride and 21km run in an event that has been given the title Rio's Run.

Saturday's unique triathlon is being organised to show that a sporting chance should be open to all and there is no hurdle that cannot be overcome.

Rio has a rare chromosone disorder that affects his motor skills.

Because of Rio's disabilities, his father will be pulling him in a kayak during the swim and a specially designed bicycle will be used during the bike ride section.

"Our goal has always been inclusion and with Rio's Race we want to show that sport has no barriers; it is one platform where people of all backgrounds and abilities can be involved," Mr Watson said.

They aim to complete the middle-distance triathlon with Mr Watson pushing his son for the final run in a special chair.

Mr Watson is the driving force behind Team AngelWolf, a non-profit organisation set up to encourage people to be more inclusive of those with disabilities and to embrace their own health.

Rio and his father will kick off their triathlon on Saturday morning opposite Dubai’s Umm Sequim Park at 6.30am.

They aim to arrive at the Al Qudra cycle track by 8.30am and then finish off opposite Umm Sequim Park by 1.30pm for the final 21km run.

The teenager is no stranger to triathlons, having completed 17 of them, including five Ironman events, since he was 11 years old.

Mr Watson urged members of the public to come along and support them and even take part if they wished.

“Rio loves being cheered on by people supporting and motivating him, and he also loves company while doing his sport,” he said.

“I hope we encourage many people to support us this Saturday.

“Together, we can create a more inclusive, kinder and healthier global community.”