Eight-year-old Aaron Kunjan became the first T&T national to escort a player at the Fifa World Cup, when the Penal Government Primary student walked out onto the field at the Maracana Stadium in Brazil, on Friday.
Kunjan, who got the rare opportunity after winning the grand prize of the McDonald's Player Escort programme, earlier this year, walked onto the pitch before the World Cup quarterfinal fixture between France and Germany holding hands with French winger Antoine Griezmann.
Kunjan and all other escorts special uniforms and the iconic Ronald McDonald stocking to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Ronald McDonald House Charities.
The charity provides invaluable support through family-centred programmes that serve more than seven million children and families annually around the world.
Kunjan, as expected was elated for the experience. "I was so happy to represent my country during the quarterfinal game. It was a very proud and life-changing moment for me," he said following the match which Germany won 1-0.
"I was really glad to walk onto the field with other escorts and players from France. It was an amazing experience." Kunjan added.
He walked onto the pitch of the Maracana Stadium, one of the most iconic football arenas in the world, together with children from several countries including Romania, Austria, Morocco, Canada, Curacao and Brazil.
As part of the programme in Brazil, Kunjan visited cultural attractions in Rio de Janeiro and also played his own friendly match at the Rio Flamengo training field along with other children from visiting countries.
This year, McDonald's has provided more than 1,408 children (ages six to ten) from 69 countries, which marks the largest number of countries participating in the programme since the brand began sponsoring it in 2002. Five children from the Caribbean were selected to represent their countries including Puerto Rico, Curacao, Martinique, Guadeloupe and T&T.
Kunjan and his father, Ronald Kunjan, who spent four days and three nights in Brazil were scheduled to return home yesterday.
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