Match Ball Delivery: Meet Lucky from Uganda

Lucky is right! 9-year-old Lucky is DHL’s Match Ball Delivery Ambassador from Uganda. On October 10, this lucky Ugandan delivered the match ball out on to the field of play right before the much-anticipated contest between Australia and Wales at Twickenham Stadium. 

DHL has searched the globe to bring 48 children from 42 countries to the UK for one unforgettable experience – to deliver the match ball to a Rugby World Cup 2015 game. This is the story of Lucky from Uganda.

Watch Lucky’s story.

Born to play
Lucky was born into a Rugby family. In fact, her mother, Fortunate, likes to joke that her daughter played Rugby before she was even born.

“When she was in the womb, she actually played rugby,” says Fortunate. “When I was six to seven months pregnant, I played a rugby game.”

That passion for the game rubbed off on little Lucky and she wanted to follow in her mother’s footsteps. It helped that all of her friends play Rugby, too.

“I love Rugby as my best sport,” says Lucky. “Because it is also the game played by my mum and my friends.”

Lucky won her trip to England by taking part in a Facebook campaign hosted on the DHL Africa Facebook page – an Africa-wide channel. Children or parents submitted a photo or video of the child attempting to motivate the teams playing in RWC2015.

For the love of the game
At only 9 years old Lucky already possesses a vast knowledge of tag Rugby, both as a player, coach and referee.

If you’re thinking what we’re thinking – wow, a 9-year-old referee! – that’s because little Lucky started playing at age 2 and can’t get enough of the sport. She began with the Baby Panthers before graduating to the Little Sharks. Currently she plays for the Baby Whales Rugby club.

Lucky’s passion for the sport is undeniable.

You might say that at nine Lucky has done more for the game of Rugby than many players accomplish in a lifetime.

“I am a tag rugby coach at St. Francis primary school in Ntinda, Kigowa,” she says. “In holiday, I help my mother as a Uganda Rugby Level 2 coach and tag Rugby trainer, coaching children at the International school of Uganda and Whales Rugby club center. l referee all the mini games played at school.”

Lucky’s passion for the Rugby is undeniable. She smiles ear to ear when talking about the sport. She introduced tag Rugby to her scouting group and got a rugby ball and tags donated to her school.

“I am a bit shy when l meet people for the first time,” she says. “But spending years in tag Rugby has helped boost my confidence. I have been to three tag Rugby development training sessions it has helped lift my confidence while training kids at school. “

And little Lucky still has big aspirations. “I would like to play on the national team of Uganda,” she says. 

“I would like to play on the national team of Uganda.”

Match Ball Delivery Moment
On October 10, Lucky delivered the match ball out on the field ahead of a huge game between Australia and Wales at London’s famous Twickenham stadium. Australia won the highly anticipated matchup to win Pool A. It just so happens that Australia is the team Lucky hopes will win the Webb Ellis Cup.

Before flying to England, Lucky had never been on a plane before. But that didn’t stop her from travelling there, at least in her dreams.

“I have never been to England before,” she says. “But I have been there in my dreams.”

What else does she dream about? “I’d also be excited to at least have a shake with the international players of England and to see Dan Carter,” she adds.

Stay tuned later this month when we share Lucky’s Match Ball Delivery experience. But for now, watch the heartwarming stories of some of our other winners. Or, if you prefer a good read, find their stories right here on DHL InMotion.