Over 300 individuals have signed on for next month’s Roy Nasr Memorial Super Sprint + Sprint Triathlon, one of many events planned throughout the local 2013-14 triathlon season to keep alive the name of Dubai’s ‘godfather of triathlon’.
Nasr, a prominent Arab triathlete, local businessman and father of two, was tragically killed earlier this month in a car accident while training on his bike in the early hours of the morning in Dubai.
The popular athlete was seen as an enormous inspiration to members of the UAE triathlon community as he worked hard to develop it.
To honour his memory, the first race of the season, the October 12 triathlon at Jebel Ali Golf Resort, which is usually known as The Jones Lang LaSalle Super Sprint + Sprint Triathlon, has been renamed after the 49-year-old.
“At the race, we are going to be giving out a memorial trophy, the Roy Nasr Memorial Trophy, which is going to be for a triathlete who has most inspired other triathletes, and that’s going to be an annual trophy from now,” event organiser, Ian Le Pelley – a close friend and co-founder of TriDubai with Nasr – told Sport360°.
“Roy was going to be the race director for this race, he was going to be essentially running it. Obviously, he isn’t anymore but it’s one of the things we’re going to do to honour his memory.”
According to the TriDubai website, plans are also being put in place for a Memorial Swim on September 28 at their usual training spot in Jumeirah, which members are now calling ‘Roy’s Beach’.
Also, a memorial ride is expected to be held either in December or January, which will be open to the triathlon and cycling community in the UAE. All proceeds from the entry fees will go to a charity fund that will be created for the purpose.
“We’re going to sell out very soon, by the end of the week, I think. But all people are welcome, all spectators are welcome,” added Le Pelley.
To sign up, log on to www.premiermarathons.com.
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