2018 FIFA World Cup – Family dreams come true
12.06.2018
Jiang Xiao plays football at school
Yang Changsheng listens to the teacher
Jiang Xiao from Danzhai No.3 middle school is one of the flag bearers at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. His participation in the program has enabled the 15-year-old to stand out from the crowd. His teacher said, “this dedicated young boy has said that his dream is to play football around the world.”
Jiang Xiao started playing football with his father when he was 9 years old. They now play football together in the Danzhai Weekend League. The boy told reporters that his passion for football comes largely from his father. “My dad really wants to see the World Cup in person. Now I can make this dream come true on his behalf.” he said.
Yang Changsheng, a 13-year-old boy, will also carry the World Cup dreams of his family. His interest in football was cultivated on the field of his hometown. When he was a child, he often played football with his cousin. However, at that time they were too poor to afford a football, so they just made a ball out of newspapers. Sadly, his cousin died from cancer last year. Yang Changsheng said, “my cousin always encouraged me to play football. My role as a flag bearer in the 2018 FIFA World Cup will also help my cousin realize his dreams.”
These Danzhai teenagers are very excited about the upcoming World Cup. “We will bring our Miao culture to Russia and let the world know that there are teenagers like us who are passionate about football in Danzhai, China,” said Yang Changsheng. For the two boys, the journey to FIFA World Cup is not only about achieving an individual dream, it is also about having the long-cherished dreams of their whole family realized.