A 31-year-old soccer fan, who is both deaf and blind, has been able to enjoy the Brazilian national team’s success in the 2018 FIFA World Cup thanks to a good friend who has doubled as his interpreter, according to a report.
TheNational Institute of Healthsays Usher syndrome affects about four to 17 of every 100,000 people and makes up about half of all hereditary deaf-blindness cases.
AP
In a touching video capturing the moments Brazilian superstar Neymar and Philippe Coutinho scored stoppage-time goals to lift Brazil over Costa Rica and secure their first win of the 2018 World Cup, Rodrigues moved Santana’s hands over the table to indicate the game-winner. Santana quickly raised his arms triumphantly before giving Rodrigues a big embrace in celebration.
“We wanted Carlinhos to feel the emotion that millions of Brazilians feel,” Rodrigues told Newsflare, using the nickname he has given Santana, his friend for over a decade.
After the winning goal, Rodrigues used more hand gestures to communicate the reactions of players from both teams.
To show Santana that Neymar was crying tears of happiness, Rodrigues took Santana’s hands and cupped them to his face.
Rodrigues said Santana had such a great time that he can’t wait to experience Brazil’s next games.
“He got emotional and said he wants more for the next match… It was a great experience guiding Carlinhos,” he said. “[It was a] very exciting football game for all of us.’’
The fans’ special viewing arrangementis similar to another viral video from the World Cup, featuring a blind and death Colombian soccer fan.
source: people.com
