Rugby
“I’ve never seen anything like this”
Aileen loves Rugby – the tacking, the passing, and letting off steam. But she’s never seen it like this before. World Cup Rugby action in a big stadium atmosphere. The 13-year-old German was awestruck by the experience.
“I’m overwhelmed, I’ve never seen anything like this,” says Aileen as she takes in the scene at Sandy Park Stadium in Exeter.
The 13-year-old Rugby fanatic is obviously both nervous and exited.
“I’m a little bit scared, as I’ll be out there by myself,” she says.
DHL searched the globe to bring 48 children from 42 countries to the UK for one unforgettable experience – to deliver the match ball to a RWC 2015 game. Aileen won the chance to deliver the match ball out onto the field of play when Italy played Romania in a Pool stage match on October 11.
A family affair
Thanks to Aileen’s passion for Rugby, the game has become a family affair.
“We got into Rugby through Aileen really, because she didn’t give up and was adamant she wanted to continue playing Rugby even after school,” her mother says. “She was very persistent.”
“I love rugby because it’s a phenomenal sport,” says Aileen. “You can tackle, you can let off steam. You can even tackle in the mud.”
Aileen’s mom joined her in England for the big day at Sandy Park. The two had the time of there lives, taking in the game-day atmosphere outside the stadium and even visiting the DHL van, where they took a scrum photo with DHL Rugby Ambassador, Adam Jones. Well, it was actually a cut out of the former Welsh prop. But Aileen and her mom were all smiles all the same.
After that it was time to head into the stadium for rehearsal, where Aileen had the chance to walk through her Match Ball Delivery moments out on the field before the game – a place not many of us get to visit.
It wasn’t long before she was experiencing the screams and applause from thousands of Italian and Romanian fans as she dutifully carried the match ball out onto the field. A magical moment.
“I was happy to be a part of this great moment in big stadium,” she says.
“I love rugby because it’s a phenomenal sport.”
Italy Rugby, mi amore
With the German national team unable to qualify for Rugby World Cup 2015, Aileen was rooting for – as far as she’s concerned – the next best country.
“I’m cheering for Italy,” she says.
The reason is simple: she loves the country. “I really like Italy and have gone there many times on vacation,” she says.
What more do you need?
Great job and congratulations Aileen!
Match Ball Delivery Moments
Learn more about Aileen and watch how she earned the chance to become DHL’s Match Ball Deliver Ambassador from Germany. Or view more heartwarming stories of some of our other winners. And if you prefer a good read, find their stories right here on DHL InMotion.
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