Passionate rugby player Elney achieves dream of being a Springboks mascot
Young Elney entered a competition and was granted the opportunity of a lifetime.
Elney Hattingh (9) has done Springs proud. The little girl from Wright Park was selected as one of the Springbok mascots for their test match against Australia.
The match took place on July 8 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria. Elney got the opportunity when she entered a competition.
“It was a competition that Spur had where she had to write a letter saying why she would love to be a mascot,” said Elney’s mother, Christelle Syphus.
She managed to win over the judges as she was chosen as one of the young mascots who would get to accompany the national team onto the field.
“I feel honoured to have been chosen as a mascot and to meet the Springboks team. It was a privilege to run on the field at Loftus with Rudolph Gerhardus Snyman holding my hand,” beamed Elney.
Elney, who attends Laerskool Jan van Riebeeck, is not just a rugby fan but is also a passionate player.
“I am a girl who loves rugby and played for my school’s U9A rugby team. I am currently playing for the Springs Rugby Club,” she added.
She said she hopes to inspire other girls her age and those to come to achieve greatness.
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“I hope I managed to encourage other girls. I want them to know that if you put your mind to something you will be able to do it.
“I would also like to encourage the rugby union to continue with mixed gender sports for all ages as some girls love ‘boy’ sports. For some of us, mixed-gender sports are the only opportunity we get to play as there are no girls-only rugby teams available,” she affirmed.
Her mother continues to sing her daughter’s praises as she proudly recounts her achievements.
“Elney went on a school tour for rugby in Nylstroom in March and is the first girl in Springs who played rugby as a mixed-gender sport,” said Christelle.
Christelle said she feels honoured to be her mother.
“I know in the future she will reach all her goals and that includes setting an example to other children to never give up on their dreams. We are very proud of her and it feels great knowing it was our little girl running up on that field.
“We want to thank everyone for supporting her through by just watching the game and sharing the photos and videos with us. We as a family are all proud to say that that is our blood and that we love her dearly for showing us a thing or two.
“You are never too old to learn from a child and we really love and embrace the changes she is making in her life and ours,” she said.
