DUBAI RUN SEES ENTHUSIASTIC PARTICIPATION
Jordanian expat Rakan Rafat Alomari, a 13-year-old boy who was paralysed waist down after a wall collapsed on him this January, completed 6km in less than 30 minutes at the Dubai Run on Friday. 5.30am Run founder Fuad Naser and other members of the club are also seen. Dubai Run, a free-to-enter event with early morning jogs, walks and sprints, was organised on Kite Beach as part of the last leg of the Dubai Fitness Challenge. —
Paralysed teen wheels in 6km in 30 minutes
Thirteen-year-old Rakan Rafat Alomari was paralysed waist down after a wall collapsed on him this January. But what hasn’t changed is his smile and resilience to shine. The teen, who is wheelchairbound, was one of the first few to reach Kite Beach at 5am to take part in the Dubai Run.
The Jordanian national was accompanied by his 18-year-old sister Rahaf as they ran along the beach with 70 other runners of a community club, 5.30am Run. The youngster managed to run 6km non-stop in 30 minutes on his wheelchair, wheeling physically using his arms.
“The DFC really brought out the best in all as we saw people pushing their limits and setting new personal records and this is exactly what I saw Rakan do. He had never covered over 5km at a stretch earlier,” said Rahaf.
Rakan has been an energetic boy, who actively participated in skating, basketball among other sports until the accident.
Rakan got into running despite being on a wheelchair, thanks to the motivation, opportunities and encouraging sports events that give equal opportunity to people
of determination in Dubai. Apart from running, he also does yoga and accompanies his siblings for their swimming lessons.
“This challenge really pushed me more into fitness and improved my stamina and showed me the scope where I can improve,” said Rakan. “In the beginning, I was shy of being around the runners due to my disability as I thought I wouldn’t be accepted by people. But the way the sports communities embraced me has helped me work harder and I am hopeful that one day I will run on my feet again, he added.
Back on her feet after 6 years, 14 surgeries
After 14 surgeries, being bed-ridden for a year and now recovering from Covid-19, 39-year-old Emirati Amal Ahmad has constantly risen like a Phoenix. She was a victim of a medical error that paralysed the sciatic nerves of both her legs.
“Doctors told me that I will not walk again. But I fought back and by upping my fitness levels and using a wheelchair for almost six years, I am now back on my feet and can walk with the support of crutches. I cannot thank God enough.”
Amal, who is now a social media influencer and a life coach, is also one of the ambassadors of the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC).
“Fervent prayers and investing time on fitness has given me a new lease of life. I realised that I needed to accept my circumstances. Once I got rid of my wheelchair, I decided to serve people and began volunteering in different parts of the world. This made me realise how blessed I was to have a good life and that there are so many people in much worse circumstances.”
A sports enthusiast Amal bikes, swims, plays tennis and tries her hand at every possible sport as she believes nothing is impossible if one puts one’s heart and soul to it.
A representative of the Dubai Club for People of Determination, Amal said that although she cannot run and finds it a bit difficult to walk long distances, she walked for 300 metres at the Dubai Run, just to motivate people to take care of themselves and prioritise fitness.
“Life is about creating yourself and working hard to fulfil your dreams. Do not give up and do not take your health for granted. Try and join some sort of fitness activity as that will add to your happiness and will also challenge your to realise your potential.”