Kellan Wild, 10, never dreamt his passion for protecting the environment would one day earn him a chance to walk on to a World Cup rugby field holding the hand of a Springbok captain.
The Warner Beach Preparatory School pupil from Amanzimtoti is a litter warrior whose environmental clean-ups and recycling efforts have earned him a spot in the Defenders of Tomorrow Rugby World Cup Mascot programme.
The initiative, sponsored by Land Rover, rewards young rugby fans for their passion and commitment to changing the world for the better by giving them the chance to accompany the captains of the different teams on to the field at the start of each game.
Wild is one of two South African children chosen to be at captain Siya Kolisi’s side, and will step on to the field on Saturday when the Springboks take on Ireland.
Cape Town schoolboy Abner Spannenberg, also 10, was the Springbok mascot at their match against Scotland last Sunday.
Wild’s mother, Claire Starbuck, secretly nominated him after learning about the initiative from a family member who owns a Land Rover.
“I didn’t tell Kellan about the nomination because I didn’t want him to get his hopes up. But he deserved to have his name thrown into the ring because he inspires people to do better and be more aware of what they do with the rubbish they dispose of,” said Starbuck.
Wild said he was both excited and nervous. “It’s my first time leaving the country. The longest I have been on a plane is two hours.
“I love all sports, including rugby.
"I didn’t really know my mom entered me. I was quite surprised when I learnt I was chosen.”
Wild said he had one request for the players when he met them.
“I will ask them if they can sign all my things. My teachers, family and friends want their T-shirts and caps autographed.”
The mother and son will leave on Wednesday for their five-day trip.
Starbuck said she knew her son stood a good chance of being selected.
“He is such a little powerhouse. For me personally this is just amazing. I’m the biggest World Cup fan there is. I’m in front of that TV screaming and shouting,” she said.
Wild is pleased his rubbish picking and recycling, which he has been doing since he was six, has given him the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
He has mobilised his family, friends and neighbours to be part of efforts by nonprofit Team Up to Clean Up to preserve the planet.
His environmental work has also resulted in Wild being appointed as children's ambassador for the recycling efforts at next year’s Splashy Fen family festival.
“I want to start a recycling project at my school with the R50,000 that was donated to me. We will sell the material to a recycling plant and earn money,” he said.
Carmen Slade, marketing director of Jaguar Land Rover South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, said they hoped the two boys’ stories would “ inspire more South Africans, young and old, to be the catalysts of change to drive the country towards a better future”.
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