UAE rugby federation honours Arabian Knights founder Neil Palmer

Matt Jones - Editor 04:49 05/03/2015
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  • Arabian Knights rugby club founder Neil Palmer honoured

    The UAE Rugby Federation has honoured Neil Palmer ahead of its annual awards evening by renaming the Ultimate Recognition Award the Neil Palmer Award.

    2014 Rugby Annual Awards cap off a fine season in UAE

    Arabian Knights founder and chairman Palmer, 45, died at his Dubai home following a heart attack shortly after arriving home from a holiday in Rome with his wife Louise on Friday, February 20.

    The UAE RF announced the news yesterday, revealing that the Neil Palmer Award will recognise those within the UAE rugby fraternity who have invested their time, energy and passion, and have made a significant contribution to grow the game within the country.

    The UAE Rugby Annual Awards will be held on Thursday, April 9, on the lawns of the Montgomerie, Dubai.

    Qais Al Dhalai, Secretary General of UAE RF, said: “This is the least we can offer for a man who did so much for UAE rugby.

    “It is a very human reaction to such a sad time and is a tribute to a great man.

    Minute silence for #Neil_Palmer at @sport_dc 10's. @GulfRugbyPaper @AK_RFC @GetyourOrangeon #respect #mydubai pic.twitter.com/8NLcv6upRf

    — Apollo Perelini (@Apollo11Rugby) February 28, 2015

    “We were proud to have had the opportunity to work closely with Neil, and look forward to seeing his legacy continue to grow.”

    Al Dhalai described the award as the “most elite” of the 16 accolades that will be presented at the awards.

    “The award will go to someone who, like Neil, spent many years giving a huge effort to growing the game of rugby in the UAE,” he said.

    “We felt we would rename the award to give back to the rugby community and to Neil and his family.

    “It will mean even more from now on as it is associated with Neil.

    Great work Arabian Knights U8s!! Al Ain Rugby Tournament champions!! #taine #arabianknightsrugbyhttp://t.co/1JKlVzagsO

    — Fleur Healy (@fleurindubai) January 17, 2015

    “It is the most elite award on offer on the night and means the most out of the 16 categories awards presented for on the night.

    “All 15 other awards recognise people for what they achieve in one year, but the Neil Palmer Award recognises what the winner has done for many years.”

    Knights head coach John Taimana added: “It says a lot about the respect the UAE RF show Neil. It’s an honour that humbles me and gives other people something to think about.”

    In addition to wife Louise, who is the Knights’ treasurer, Palmer leaves two sons, Maximilian, 16, and Roman, 10, who are also part of the Knigths’ family, both playing for the club’s youth teams.

    UAERF has decided to rename the UAE Rugby Ultimate Recognition Award as #Neil_Palmer Award #UAERugbyAwards pic.twitter.com/ESPagJH883

    — UAE RUGBY FEDERATION (@uaerugby) March 2, 2015

    A minute’s silence prior to all UAE RF matches across the Gulf last weekend was observed. Palm-er’s funeral was held on Wednesday at Christ Church, Jebel Ali, followed by a reception at The Els Club.

    Each UAE-based club can put forward nominations for the Neil Palmer Award to the UAE RF board which will select the annual recipient.

    Recognising and rewarding players, officials, sponsors and volun- teers, the awards acknowledge the achievements of the rugby industry within the UAE. To vote, visit awards.sport360.com/rugbyawards

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