The Penryn and Uplands rugby game during their April derby is one about community, support, friendship, and dreams turned reality – there is a heartwarming try, and we cannot stop watching it!
Mbombela, South Africa (14 May 2024) – 16-year-old Cameron Meyer, a Grade 10 student at Penryn, a school in Mbombela, got his moment to cross the try-line thanks to the cooperation of both the Penryn and Uplands rugby teams.
The heartwarming moment took place in late April during the rival school’s derby day. We spoke to Nicole Meyer, Cameron’s mother. She shared that Cameron was diagnosed with Spastic Diplegia which is a form of Cerebral Palsy. He is able to walk for short periods but is reliant on his mobility scooter or wheelchair.
Having his friends by his side, Cameron was able to score a try during the rival game, much to the cheer and delight of all the spectators. Everyone was in on the surprise; only Cameron had no idea, but mom Nicole shared that he knew something was at play…
“A few weeks before the game one of the Penryn’s Rugby coaches, Keagan Du Preez, who knows about Cameron’s passion for rugby organised with the Uplands team and coaches that Penryn would start with the ball and Cameron would eventually get the ball and score a try.
The boys from both teams were all in on it and knew what was going to happen. Cameron knew something was up as he was asked to bring his rugby kit with him that day which was unusual as he normally has to wear school uniform because he doesn’t play.
I do think he knew something was up but just went along with it. After all was said and done, of course Cam knew it was a set but this really didn’t bother him in the least. In that moment he felt like a rugby player.
The feeling of being tackled and placing the ball, being pushed forward by his teams mate, having the crowds cheer and his team mates congratulating him after was something very special. Something he never thought he would feel.
Keagan, the coach, wanted this try to remind both Penryn and Uplands (and it would seem the rest of the country) not to loose sight of why we play sport. His celebration after his try as he “runs” with his arms up victorious as he come to hug myself and his dad shows what this meant to Cameron.”
Cameron loved the moment. He was later interviewed on the radio, and he shared that he may not have as much stamina or be able to walk far but that he would keep going and keep fighting. When asked who his favourite rugby player is, the answer is Kwagga Smith!
Nicole shares a shout-out to Cameron’s best friend, Owen Scorgie. He has been Cameron’s best friend since they were four years old, and they have been inseparable ever since!
“He is also another amazing kid who is there for Cameron though think and thin. The have been best friends since they were 4 and Owen has been Cam’s right hand man through all his struggles.
He is the boy who passes the ball to Cam for him to score his try which is awesome as once again he is helping Cam to reach his goals. He is the unsung hero of Cameron’s story and is a very special extra member of our family. He never asks for praise or thanks its second nature for him to tie Cameron shoe laces, dish him up a plate of food, carry his bags, carry him around (even now) when Cam gets tired. He is also just an incredible child and we are extremely grateful to him.”
Take a look at the heartwarming moment below.
Sources: Nicole Meyer – GTG Interview
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