If you followed the U.S. Men’s National Soccer team during this World Cup, you probably saw the countless video clips of American cities celebrating after a goal. However, you probably have not yet seen the most genuine fan celebration of this World Cup. Recently, ESPN ran a feature story on a Brazilian fan named Carlos, who is both blind and deaf, but is still able to experience the amazement surrounding the World Cup with the help of two friends.
Helio Fonseca, a sign language interpreter, wanted his friend Carlos to be able to experience the World Cup in the same way as everyone else. Thus, Fonseca decided to construct a board-size model of the soccer field so that he could guide Carlo’s hand to indicate where the ball was during different games. At the same time, another interpreter, Regiane Pereira, would sit behind Carlos and use hand movements across his back to relay play-by-play commentary and any other information that Fonseca may not be able to express through his model.
As you watch the video you will see that Carlos’ reactions to different plays of the game are identical to any fan who is capable of watching it on their own. However, the dedication that Fonseca and Pereira go through to be able to show Carlos the game and allow him to share those emotions with every Brazilian fan will bring happiness to your heart. And the historic celebration comes around the 4-minute mark where you can see how Carlos truly celebrates after David Luiz's free kick goal. We don’t know if it’s the mile-wide grin across Carlos' face or him banging on the board-size field like a mad man that makes his celebration so great. But what trumps his celebration may be his appreciation for the friendship allowing him to experience this beautiful game in his own way.
Check out the video below:
You can find The18 writer Andrew Young at @atyoung0608 on Twitter.
