‘ Ball- kid’ honour a boost for youngster
It will be an exciting night for youngster Elizabeth Seath, who has been given the honour of being a “ball kid” for tonight’s match between the Maori All Blacks and the Lions.
Elizabeth, 9, was diagnosed with leukaemia last August and i s undergoing treatment at Starship Hospital.
After hearing she was a big sports fan, Lions series sponsors ASB and DHL invited Elizabeth and her big brother Ned, 12, to be the official ball kids — running the ball on to the field.
Yesterday Elizabeth got to meet Maori All Blacks captain Ash Dixon and players Tawera Kerr- Barlow and Ben May at the ASB Bank in Rotorua.
Elizabeth said she was excited, especially to have Ned alongside her when she ran the ball out. Her family, including eldest brother Jack, 14, would be in the stands supporting them.
Despite being a rugby fan, Elizabeth said she didn’t have a favourite player.
“I’ve been to rugby games before, mostly Chiefs versus Blues, and in every single game the Chiefs have always beaten the Blues. I don’t know how to play rugby but it seems cool.”
She predicted the Maori All Blacks would take the victory over the Lions tonight, and said it was nice to be back in Rotorua.
Her mum Nicola Seath said Elizabeth was excited but a bit nervous before meeting the players.
“She’s very excited she can share the experience with her big brother Ned. We’re a bit of a rugby family, though our eldest Jack is a Blues fan but we forgive him.”
After the meet and greet, the players and Elizabeth moved outside Central Mall to collect donations using ASB donation balls.
Nicola Seath said that had been an awesome opportunity to help Starship.
“They are an amazing organisation. We wouldn’t be here without their help.”
Dixon said it was “pretty cool” to be able to make a difference.
“It’s awesome to be able to give her a chance to get better and put a smile back on her face. I hope we raise a lot of money for Starship.”
Kerr- Barlow said as a father of two, Starship was an organisation close to his heart.
“You don’t want to see kids sick, especially when you have kids yourself ”.
The bank has created a set of rugby ball payment terminals to follow the Lions tour and raise money for the Starship Foundation. The funds raised go towards the hospital’s emergency department. Picture / Rotorua Daily Post