Touching farewell for Dubai's champion triathlete Roy Nasr

Family and friends of UAE triathlete champion Roy Nasr came together to celebrate his life on Tuesday afternoon.

Forty-nine-year-old Roy’s life was tragically cut short after a car rammed into him during his training ride on Friday morning. He died on the spot due to the impact.

St Francis of Assisi church in Jebel Ali was packed with people from all walks of life, highlighting Roy’s incredible life and the remarkable impact he had on so many people.

A special mass was held in Arabic.

Roy’s wife Tina, children Tala and Elie, his mother and brother, sat in the front row, while Roy’s casket and a picture of the athlete was placed in the centre.

Despite fighting back their tears, Tina and the children, in their tribute to Roy, recalled some of the fun times they shared with him.

“This is a celebration of his life,” said Tina, “He left me with his two greatest achievements: my beautiful daughter Tala, who was his pride and joy; and our son Elie, who is trying very hard, and with dignity, to shoulder the immense responsibility of his father’s legacy.”

She thanked a few members of their family and close friends who were attached to Roy.

“I want to thank his amazing mother for giving him to me.”

She didn’t stop before talking to the younger riders. “This was Roy’s favourite… It gave him immense strength to beat all of you… younger guys,” she said, which evoked a few chuckles from the crowd.

She ended with; “God bless my love, my hero.”

Roy’s son was next. He thanked everyone for taking time out of their busy schedule to attend the service.

“One thing about my father was that he was always right. He knew everything about me. I couldn’t get away with anything,” he laughed nervously.

He recalled how he’d sneak out of his house late-night to indulge in junk food, something that was disallowed in his house, but he would always get caught.

“My daddy would never confront. He would always be constructive. I always felt safe knowing that he was there.”

Roy’s daughter fought back tears when she said, “I really was daddy’s girl”.

With her mother and brother by her side, she gathered strength and continued. “Today, the sun is shining, and I really know that my dad is looking down on all of us. And, I know that if he was here today he’d say… what a beautiful day for a run… what a beautiful day for a ride.”

“I’m so grateful for all of you. And, it warms my heart to see how many people my dad has touched.”

Just before the final funeral procession, friends queued up to meet Roy’s family and express their condolences.

A reception will be held on Wednesday, September 11, at Roy’s residence between 5pm and 9pm.

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