On the big screen: Glory Game – The Joost van der Westhuizen story
Starring: Christian Schwegler, Donovon Lottering, Franco Booysens, Jarod Smith, Liam Schwegler, Richard Pinkey and Riley Schwegler. Directed by: Odette Schwegler.
Known for years as the golden boy of SA rugby, the world reeled in shock in April 2011 when the news broke that Joost van der Westhuizen had been diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease (MND).
The disease attacks the central nervous system, causing progressive disability.
There is no known cure and the prognosis is death.
Anyone who’s seen Joost in action will know that he’s not one to give up without a fight.
His game-changing prowess as a rugby player is now galvanised in a battle for survival and, more importantly, to make a difference to the lives of others with the disease.
Despite specialist assurances that he’d be in a wheelchair in a year and not likely see his 42th birthday, Joost not only celebrated in style, but took to the skies, travelling internationally with his J9 Foundation to meet the great minds who are working to find a cure.
In the UK he visited the University of Edinburgh’s Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease.
He had an audience with MND Patron HRH Princess Anne and teamed up with former rugby rival, Scott Hastings of the British Lions, who is now also a patron in the fight against the disease.
In the US he met former football star and fellow MND warrior Steve Gleason, and participated in clinical studies conducted by the world’s most renowned researchers into MND.
The next leg took the team to Australia for more high level meetings and research.
Joost’s quest for a cure is relentless and his spirit has motivated those around him to champion the cause because in spite of the adversity he has faced, Joost remains a man to envy.
