DUBAI — Team Angel Wolf’s Nick Watson and his son Rio accomplished the Climb With Rio challenge this weekend in 4 hours and 43 minutes. Father Nick walked 118 times up and down the stairs of their home, the equivalent of climbing the Burj Khalifa, with son Rio, who is a Person of Determination, strapped on his back.

The idea behind the challenge was to inspire people to stay at home, stay safe and stay fit during the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of the initiative, Nick and Rio encouraged people from all over the world to get involved and take on their own climb-a-thon, by choosing an iconic landmark, without having to leave their homes.

Thousands of people joined the Team Angel Wolf challenge, helping to participate in their own way over the weekend via Instagram and Facebook live. Schools challenged their children and entire families walked together up and down the stairs of their homes to see how many times the combined efforts could complete the Burj Khalifa climb. There was also lots of support from others around the world, which created a truly inclusive event.

‘’This has been completely different to what we have ever experienced before in a race or a challenge; even though we, and, hundreds of others, did the challenge separately, there was a real sense of togetherness and not being alone; which feels unique at the moment. I have to admit it was 4 hours and 43 minutes of pure discomfort yet pure joy; as however uncomfortable it got (and it did) Rio totally motivated and fuelled me, his excitement, enthusiasm and appreciation of each given moment gave me energy to keep going,’’ said Nick.

With another achievement under their belt, Team Angel Wolf are continuing their quest to promote a healthy lifestyle. Their goal was to create awareness and to connect with the community during Ramadan. Nick said, “I cannot express how grateful we are to all those in our global community that came together and embraced the challenge of Climb With Rio and took it on in their own way, safely at home... I am speechless; thank you. We are very proud of every single person that gave the challenge a go!” — SG