Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge
Honeymoon Ending for the Ussher's
20.12.2007
As they were still celebrating their team's success in the ultimate outdoor endurance race, which saw them cover over 400 kilometre-in six days, Ahmed Hussein, ADTA's Deputy Director General, sprang an added surprise on the victorious couple as they were asked to come back on stage in front of more than 100 of their racing peers. With their winner's trophy still in hand, the couple were told an all expenses paid weeks stay in Abu Dhabi was theirs to enjoy - a gesture that brought a deafening round of applause from the 26 teams.
"This great couple, who have tackled some of the most demanding trials on offer over the last six days, deserved something special. Their efforts to be here for the Challenge knew no boundaries and we now hope that they can take the time to revel in their success. It gives us great pleasure to invite them back to Abu Dhabi to see its beauty in a hopefully more relaxing setting," said Hussein.
Kiwi Richard and Finn Elina, who met two years ago during an adventure challenge in Cape Town, South Africa, had been unable to plan a honeymoon because of trying to balance their respective full-time jobs with their punishing training regimes for endurance trials around the globe.
"We met and fell in love during an adventure race, so we both know exactly how demanding it can be on your year-round life in terms of training, getting time off work, and of course, planning some alone time!" said Richard.
"We were blown away when Mr Hussein presented us with the invitation - we'd been planning to finally get round to a honeymoon in the new year, but we never imagined all the pain of training and competing in Abu Dhabi would result in both a win and a honeymoon."
Elina - the only woman in the Team Eurosport NZ quartet - said she and Richard were overawed by the generous offer. "It's unbelievable. We have been astounded by Abu Dhabi's hospitality and warmth since arriving, and this is just the icing on the cake. I can't wait to come back for a week, although this time I think I'll be sitting in the sun and leaving my racing gear at home," said Elina.
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