Adventure enthusiasts and participants in the UAE are praising Spartan Arabia’s bold move to cut ties with its parent company and cancel an upcoming race scheduled for January. The decision follows controversial remarks by Spartan founder Joe De Sena regarding the Gaza crisis, sparking outrage within the OCR community.
Community Response
OCR enthusiast Tania Lolla expressed approval, noting that the founder’s comments did not align with the Spartan community’s values. Fellow Spartan racer Husam Mohamed called it a wise decision, emphasizing that Spartan Arabia’s move demonstrated solidarity with humanity.
Founder’s Controversial Remarks
Joe De Sena caused a stir by posting a now-deleted video supporting Israel’s offensive against Gaza. The OCR athlete community responded with calls for a brand boycott, prompting Spartan Arabia’s initial distancing before formally cutting ties.
Spartan Arabia’s Official Statement
In an Instagram post, Spartan Arabia explained its decision, citing misalignment of core values with the founder of Spartan Race. The post also announced the cancellation of the January race in Khorfakkan, with registered participants set to receive refunds.
Online Support and Future Prospects
The decision garnered widespread support online, with users suggesting the potential for a rebranded regional OCR. While acknowledging minimal participation in Spartan Arabia’s recent trifecta race in Hatta, enthusiasts expressed eagerness to back a new venture.
Ahead of Championship in Abu Dhabi
The dissociation comes ahead of the three-day Spartan World Championship 2023 in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi, operating under a separate entity. The move by Spartan Arabia reflects a commitment to community values and prompts discussions about the future of OCR in the region.
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