Dubai Family Commends Police for Life-Saving Support During 60km Cycling Race Ordeal

Dubai: On a sweltering May morning, the Dubai Police’s Proud of UAE community cycling race was nearing its conclusion. As cyclists crossed the finish line of the 60km race to cheers and celebrations, few realized that two participants were stranded and in need of assistance.

Nick Watson, a 56-year-old British expatriate, found himself on the side of a busy road, attempting to navigate his son Rio, a person of determination, to safety. Watson described the physical challenge they faced, stating that their adaptive bike setup was significantly heavier than standard racing bikes. Despite the difficulties, they were eager to participate in the event.

The race, which began at the Nad Al Sheba Police Station and concluded at Global Village, was conducted on a traffic-free course. However, Watson’s experience took a turn for the worse when they missed the race’s cut-off point and were instructed to leave the course. The support vehicles available could accommodate standard bicycles but were ill-equipped for their adaptive setup. This left Watson and Rio stranded on the roadside, prompting Watson to seek a safe solution.

As the temperature rose and Rio became restless, Watson shifted into problem-solving mode. He decided to cycle back, maneuvering his son over a flyover and across two lanes of traffic to reach the hard shoulder. In a video log of the incident, he admitted feeling scared for the first time in a long while.

Once they reached a relatively safe area, Watson paused to reassess their situation. He contemplated various options, including lifting the bike over a divider or seeking a backroad. Just then, a car pulled up behind them— it was the Dubai Police.

Captain Nasser Yousuf arrived on the scene, providing calm and reassuring support. Watson recounted how the captain spoke kindly to Rio, coordinated transport, and remained with them until arrangements were made. He emphasized that the experience was not just about the practical assistance but also the humanity displayed by the police.

Captain Yousuf arranged for a special truck that could accommodate Rio’s adaptive bike. He ensured that Watson and his son could rest in his air-conditioned vehicle and even drove them home afterward. Watson expressed gratitude for the support, noting that the kindness shown by the Dubai Police exemplified why he has felt safe and supported in the UAE for over 28 years.

Meet Team AngelWolf

Nick Watson is the founder of Team AngelWolf, a Dubai-based non-profit organization licensed under the Community Development Authority (CDA). Since its inception in 2014, the foundation has promoted an inclusive, active lifestyle for people of determination. Watson’s connection to the UAE predates the establishment of his foundation, tracing back to 1996 when he was transitioning from military service with the Royal Marines in the UK to a career in personal training and sports therapy.

It was during this period that he met his wife, Delphine, who had just returned from a year of backpacking in Australasia. Both shared a desire to explore new horizons, leading them to Dubai after learning about the city from a family wedding guest. They purchased one-way tickets, packed their backpacks, and set off, never intending to return to the UK.

Now, Watson and Delphine manage Team AngelWolf full-time, alongside their 18-year-old daughter Tia. Together, they lead a community of participants known as the “wolf pack,” organizing regular training sessions, races, and inclusive community activities in collaboration with schools and corporate partners. At the heart of their mission is Rio, who has a rare chromosome condition known as de novo 1Q44 deletion, resulting in neurodevelopmental and physical disabilities.

Watson noted that early in Rio’s life, they recognized that many environments inadvertently excluded individuals with disabilities, particularly in sports and community participation. Instead of accepting this reality, they aimed to demonstrate what true inclusion could look like. Their family began entering races together, adapting equipment as necessary, and consistently participating in community events. This journey evolved into a broader movement advocating for inclusion, belonging, and accessibility.

Building an Inclusive Community in the UAE

The efforts of Team AngelWolf have inspired many. Recently, Tia participated in the Dubai T100 Triathlon, where she pulled Rio in a kayak during the 2km swim, carried him for 18km, and cycled alongside him for 80km. Watson expressed pride in witnessing Tia grow into an athlete, speaker, and advocate, as well as the founder of LittleXWolf.

When not inspiring his sister, Rio enjoys spending time at the beach, visiting malls, and engaging in community activities. His life in Dubai is characterized by a sense of normalcy and peace, a perspective that was recently acknowledged when Delphine and Rio attended an award ceremony hosted by Erth Dubai. Delphine’s story about growing up in the city, told through Rio’s eyes, was shortlisted in the Best Dubai Resident Story category.

Watson described this recognition as a moment of pride for their family, highlighting Delphine’s vital role in their lives and the foundation. He noted that her contributions are significant both emotionally and practically.

These accomplishments are part of a broader initiative by Team AngelWolf, which promotes what they call “inclusive impactivity.” Watson explained that true inclusion is best experienced collectively, not merely discussed. It involves integrating individuals into communities, activities, and everyday life, ensuring that inclusion feels genuine and lived.

The response from the Dubai community has been overwhelmingly positive. Team AngelWolf has been welcomed into schools, universities, sporting events, and community spaces across the UAE. Watson noted that many individuals express a sincere interest in inclusion and accessibility, often seeking opportunities to engage more directly.

He emphasized that some of the most meaningful moments occur quietly—such as witnessing children naturally include Rio in school activities or observing communities unite during inclusive events. These experiences hold significant value for the foundation.

Team AngelWolf continues to expand opportunities for community inclusion in the UAE, introducing new concepts such as the Impact Mobility (IMO) Chair project, aimed at enhancing participation in sports and outdoor environments.

In reflecting on their journey, Watson expressed gratitude to the UAE, its leaders, and the community for their support. He conveyed a message about the essence of inclusion, stating that it often requires simple acts of kindness, patience, and understanding. He emphasized that everyone deserves to feel a sense of belonging, which transcends disability inclusion.

Source: www.emirates247.com

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Published on 2026-05-15 18:43:00 • By the Editorial Desk