H.H. Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan and H.H. Sheikh Shakhboot Bin Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan Greet Rosa Areosa and Maria Conceicao at the Finale of the 777 Challenge
Rosa Areosa, a UAE resident, Portuguese speaking mother and housewife, born in South Africa, after seven long grueling days has completed her challenge of walking 7 marathons, in 7 days, across the 7 Emirates of the UAE to raise funds to support the valiant efforts of the Maria Cristina Foundation.
Upon completion of the 777 Challenge, Rosa Areosa and Maria Conceicao were greeted by H.H. Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, along with H.H. Sheikh Shakhboot Bin Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan at H.H. Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan’s Majlis in Abu Dhabi.
Rosa Areosa was accompanied by Maria Conceicao, Founder of the Maria Cristina Foundation on her walk for charity which began on 26 November in Sharjah, and concluded on 2 December – the UAE’s National Day – in Abu Dhabi, the nation’s capital.
Rosa walked a distance of 294 kilometers in a total of 42 hours, 7 minutes and 46 seconds, while Maria walked the distance in a total of 54 hours, 54 minutes and 50 seconds over the 7 days, in order to generate and create awareness, in an effort to raise funds to support the Maria Cristina Foundation. This resulted in Rosa achieving an average of 6 hours and 1 minute per each marathon, with Maria’s average being 7 hours, 50 minutes and 34 seconds for each marathon. The best time achieved by Rosa was in the Al Ain Marathon on 30 November 2011 with a time of 5:46:20, Maria’s best time was recorded in the 1st marathon in Sharjah on the 26th of November 2011 achieving a time of 6:32:02.
H.H. Sheikh Shakhboot Bin Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan expressed his sincerest appreciation towards both Rosa and Maria for their outstanding accomplishment of walking across the seven Emirates and for their noble efforts towards helping the underprivileged people and children of Bangladesh.
Rosa Areosa, said: “The support that we received in Sharjah, Dubai and in Al Ain certainly inspired me personally. The reception at H.H Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan’s Majlis in Abu Dhabi was really special and very much appreciated; it was a very emotional end to the ordeal and a very pleasant surprise to top the end of the event.
“Having Maria decide to join me, in the 777 Challenge, made me realise how determined she actually is. As the days progressed and the kilometers rolled by, her courage and strength in completing every single marathon, despite the obstacles and fatigue that were encountered over the 7 days made me further respect her for her efforts and endeavours. She overcame the challenge never giving up throughout the 7 long days. I also need to mention that my husband Jorge, who throughout the 777 challenge, supported both Maria and myself, logistics, medical attention, water, food and every necessity that we required, he was always there when we needed the support. It takes someone very special to take on firstly that responsibility but then also see it out in the very supportive manner that he did. ”
The walk across the seven Emirates was both physically and mentally draining, posing several unexpected obstacles for these two remarkable women. Routes had to be changed on several occasions due to construction works and traffic congestion encountered, especially during the last leg in Abu Dhabi on the 2nd of December 2011. The deceptive terrain in Fujairah resulted in Rosa breaking one of her right toes on the second day of the challenge.
The 777 Challenge gained a lot of support from both people and corporations. Several individuals and families joined the walk for Charity. Supporting companies include: Etihad Airways, Rotana Hotels, Arab IT, Up and Running Integrated Sports and Medical Center, Stefanutti Stocks, and the Centre for Musical Arts.
Maria Conceicaio, Founder, Maria Cristina Foundation, said: “Rosa is a true champion. Her courage and determination is simply inspiring. Even though I was exhausted, I kept looking and thinking about Rosa and how she is driving herself to help the Maria Cristina Foundation. Her perseverance gave me the strength to finish all seven marathons. It is a privilege to have this extraordinary woman contribute to the foundation but is an even greater honor for me to have her as a friend. I am truly thankful to Rosa, her husband Jorge, and their kids for planning and implementing the 777 Challenge.”
The Maria Cristina Foundation is on a quest to unlock and maximize human potential in developing countries. The foundation is involved in several current and planned projects, including MC Foundation Recruitment Institute, MC Foundation Community Project, MC Foundation School to School Projects and MC Foundation Community Health Program. To support the foundation you can visit www.mariachristinafoundation.org.
