Rugby fans meet their all-time heroes
Although the raffles seemed exciting, most of the guests could not focus much on anything except the faces and joyful chatter of the 15 rugby legends seated one to each table.
South African Sports and Hospitality proved to residents of Krugersdorp that rugby can and has brought the nation together after hosting the Aand van Legendes at Silverstar; an evening to create awareness for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, a form of motor neuron disease (MND).
The well-known former rugby player Joost van der Westhuizen, who was diagnosed with MND in 2011, was the guest of honour at the fundraiser, which took place on 22 October. Although he could not move much, Joost stayed through the entire evening to support the cause and serve as a living example of the destruction the disease causes.
The tickets were sold out within weeks and as soon as the event started the hall filled up with very excited rugby enthusiasts.
The night started off with live comedy presented by a Rod Stewart look-alike. His jokes ranged from the uniqueness of cultures in South Africa to marriage problems.
He was followed by tribute videos from various artists who dedicated songs to rugby legends, some specifically to Joost and the legend he has become.
Signed rugby shirts were auctioned off after the videos. An original hand-print and letter from Joost was sold for R8 000 to one of the attendees. The crowd was stunned when a signed All Blacks shirt was sold for R15 000.
The night continued with laughter and joy as Pietie Meyer, World of Rugby representative played games and gave away prizes of great value, such as a Canon printer.
Although the raffles seemed exciting, most of the guests could not focus much on anything except the faces and joyful chatter of the 15 rugby legends, one seated at each table. From former 1995 Springbok rugby players such as Wynand Claassen, Japie Mulder and Henno Mentz to Transvaal players such as Kalla Barnard and Lappies Labuschagne, the evening gave enthusiasts a taste of the old and new in rugby names.
Various organisations, both sporting and private, joined hands to make the evening a success by donating and signing items to be auctioned off. Lions Rugby, Bulls Rugby and South African Rugby donated shirts signed by the famous players of their teams to be auctioned during the evening.
Rugby legends such as Schalk Burger and his sons and Hempies du Toit also donated wine for the tables. Joost’s events company supplied a unique rugby ball, which could be bought for R1 000, for each table. Fans could make the rounds with the ball and all 15 rugby legends could be asked for their autographs.
Lappies Labuschagne, the tall Transvaal lock, laughed as he towered over one of his fans while posing for a photo.
Japie Mulder signed rugby balls, Springbok shirts and everything his fans passed to him.
Besides the fact that rugby fans could finally enjoy the company of their rugby heroes, the event succeeded in raising R150 000 which came from donations, ticket sales, raffles, sponsorships, rugby balls sold and the auction on the evening.
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