Gao Rixiao (C) uses sign language to "talk" to his football teammates during a training session in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, Sept. 13, 2021. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun)
HAIKOU, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- Donning a sport shirt with the number "99," Gao Rixiao energetically runs and plays football in silence on a green field, as sunlight dances across his face.
"I love the number 99 because in Chinese it means forever," said Gao, 40. "And I want my passion for football to last forever."
Gao is a football player and assistant coach of a football team consisting of all deaf-mute players in Haikou, the capital of south China's Hainan Province.
Gao said he used to feel depressed and upset because of his physical condition, but thanks to his passion for football and the companionship of family and friends, he has left behind the gloomy days and has become full of hope in life.
"I am happy and content, and I feel like I have a sunny disposition," he said.
PASSION FOR FOOTBALL
Gao lost his hearing and voice at the age of two due to a serious fever and improper treatment. For this young child, being unable to talk or hear was simply too much to take.
"I hated myself. I hated my parents. I was unhappy. I wanted to be loved and cared for," he recalled.
In 1994, Gao watched a football match on TV at the special school he studied in. He did not know what football was, but he was fascinated. He asked deaf-mute people in the school to join him in playing football and "had a blast."
"My parents were worried that I might get hurt, but they saw me smiling a lot, and they were also very happy, and relieved," he said. "I feel like I used to live in a box, but football lifted the lid and let the light in."
After graduation in 2000, Gao became a sanitation worker, taking care of a local square in Haikou, but his passion for football never waned. In 2003, a provincial-level football team for deaf-mutes was established, attracting many special players like Gao.
Every Monday, Gao and his team members gather at a football field for training. For them, football is a platform to show their abilities, as well as a bridge to connect deaf-mutes with others in society.
"We may not be able to sing or talk like others, but playing football shows that we are just like everyone else in society," he said. "It is a way for us to make friends, relax and have a lot of fun in life."
This year, they took part in the 11th National Games for Persons with Disabilities on behalf of Hainan and ranked No.7 in the game.
"We are super, super proud and happy," he said.
Football may be a vital part of Gao's life, but not all. He currently works at a property management office in Haikou and is responsible for recording staff attendance, making conference slogans and banners, and taking care of warehouse materials.
"I am good at paper cutting and I enjoy making the banners by hand. Every character on each banner is handmade by me," Gao said.
In his spare time, he studies computer science and promotes sign language learning in Hainan to help more disabled people adapt to society.
Gao was elected chairman of the Hainan association of the deaf in May 2008.
"Physical disability is not terrible, as long as you stay positive at heart. If we face things optimistically, everything will be fine," Gao said.
"PLAY FOOTBALL FOREVER"
China has 85 million disabled people, according to the China Disabled Persons' Federation.
To help people like Gao, the Hainan Disabled Persons' Federation organizes training camps for the football team each year and provides the players with football fields and equipment.
The federation allocates special funds for disabled athletes to cover their transportation, accommodation and medical insurance for sports events, according to Li Bangyong, with the federation.
The country will facilitate scientific and technological innovation and talent development for better care and support for people with disabilities from 2021 to 2025, stated a plan on stepping up the protection of the rights and interests of people with disabilities issued in July by the State Council, China's cabinet.
In the future, Gao plans to lead the football team to more sports events to help deaf-mute footballers "experience the big world."
"I hope our team can play football forever," Gao added. Enditem
Gao Rixiao (C) and his football team take a daily training in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, Sept. 13, 2021. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun)
