The Springboks made the dream of a 10-year-old fan come true at their Rugby Championship game on Saturday.
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Isabella is a courageous fighter and a symbol of hope for South Africa. The 10-year-old from East London battles soft tissue sarcoma, a rare form of cancer.
Isabella’s biggest wish was to meet the Springboks, and through a collaboration with Reach For a Dream, her wish came true over the weekend, when she not only became a mascot for the Rugby giants as they took to the field, but also lifted the championship cup alongside her heroes.
The story started when Isabella received a special invitation that informed her that she would be escorting the Bokke onto the field on the day of their championship match against Argentina. She would do so, walking hand-in-hand with Rugby captain, Siya Kolisi.
The invitation was met with a stream of happy tears from Isabella, excited for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
On Saturday 28 September, the Springbok team took to social media writing:
“Today is a very special day for 10-year-old Isabella from East London. Her dream of meeting the Springboks is about to come true. Living with soft tissue sarcoma, rugby has always been her source of strength. Today, through a collaboration between @bokrugby and @reach_for_a_dream, she’ll step onto the field in Nelspruit, holding Siya Kolisi’s hand to sing the national anthem before the game against Argentina.”
“This moment isn’t just about meeting her heroes—it’s a testament to Isabella’s incredible courage, showing us all that even in life’s toughest moments, hope can make dreams come true,” the rugby champions added.
The caption was accompanied by a video of Isabella receiving her invitation, along with a special message from Siya Kolisi:
@springboks.rugby Today is a very special day for 10-year-old Isabella from East London. Her dream of meeting the Springboks is about to come true. Living with soft tissue sarcoma, rugby has always been her source of strength. Today, through a collaboration between @bokrugby and @reach_for_a_dream, she’ll step onto the field in Nelspruit, holding Siya Kolisi’s hand to sing the national anthem before the game against Argentina. This moment isn’t just about meeting her heroes—it’s a testament to Isabella’s incredible courage, showing us all that even in life’s toughest moments, hope can make dreams come true. #IsabellasDream #Springboks #SiyaKolisi ♬ original sound – Springboks.rugby
Isabella not only sang her heart out to the South African national anthem on field with the greats on Saturday, the 10-year-old and her family stayed for the game and met with the team. After an incredible victory, Isabella lifted the championship cup with the Bokke, too.
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Later, the rugby squad shared a video of their victory moment lifting the championship cup to social media. In the video, Isabella is seen handing a trophy almost as tall as herself to Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, as she makes the squad’s victory photo.
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Stories like Isabella’s inspire hope. Even in life’s toughest battles, hope can let the light in. Now that Isabella has met her heroes, we wonder what her next wish is…Keep on dreaming, Isabella!
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Feature Image: Getty, Instagram / @bokrugby
