A 10-year-old Bonteheuwel boy will realise his dream of participating in the Rugby World Cup in France in September.
Abner Spannenberg will experience the thrill of accompanying the captains of the different teams onto the field at the start of every Rugby World Cup game after he was chosen as only one of two South African children to be part of the Defenders of Tomorrow Rugby World Cup Mascot Programme.
The Rugby World Cup kicks off on Friday September 8 and runs until Saturday October 28.
The Rosewood Primary School pupil was among 96 children from 20 countries who were selected through the programme, which rewards the participants for their commitment to changing the world for the better.
Abner took it upon himself to start cleaning up his neighbourhood, picking up litter and broken bottles, and he inspired others in the community to join him.
Kellan Wild, 10, from Amanzimtoti, in KwaZulu-Natal, was also selected after getting his family, friends and neighbours to join a community-led recycling programme.
Former Springbok Bryan Habana surprised both Abner and Kellan at their schools with the news that they had been chosen for the mascot programme.
“It is a great privilege for these young South Africans to be chosen to participate at the highest level in world rugby,” he said, adding, “We hope it will inspire other youngsters across our nation to pursue their dream of a career in rugby and to weave the ideals of the sport into all aspects of their life.”
