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Ecuador Player's Dad Walked 12 Hours To Let His Son Play World Cup Game
Former Ecuador player Silvano Estacio recently walked for 12 hours to give his son the chance to play in the U-17's World Cup.
Silvano Denilson Estacio Mina was on the list to fly out to Brazil for the tournament with the Ecuador U-17's, but he wasn't allowed to fly out with the team as he had no permission to fly as a minor.
Due to a number of issues it meant that Silvano Senior had to walk for 12 hours to get to the Quito to sign the required paperwork.
It's astonishing commitment to allow his son the chance to realise a dream of playing for the national side at a tournament.
Historias que valen la pena ser contadas ' Silvano Estacio caminó desde Ambato hasta Quito (Casa de la Selección) para firmar el permiso de salida del país de su hijo, Silvano Estacio Jr, quien disputará el mundial Sub 17 de Brasil con la Selección Ecuatoriana. pic.twitter.com/xVB5ZWEh47
- Charly Castillo (@charlyacastillo) October 8, 2019
Silvano Senior originally wanted to fly to Quito which is 156 kilometres away to sign the official paperwork.
However, civil unrest in Ecuador meant that airports had been shutdown and buses were heavily affected.
He then borrowed a motorbike from a friend but that broke down in Latacunga, 45 kilometres outside his hometown of Ambato.
Después de la previa, así vivimos el partido con la familia de Silvano Estacio Jr. pic.twitter.com/3Rst4B8nGo
- Diego Ordinola (@Diegordinola) October 30, 2019
The former Ecuador man discussed the saga with Time24 News.
"I didn't see any other option and I left here on Monday of last week. There were quite a few indigenous people on the road, they didn't let anyone pass.
"I left at five in the morning. I had to climb the moor, cut my way through a mountain and I didn't see any danger. My goal was to get there and sign that paper.
"My dad would have done it a thousand times for me. He was a soccer player and the time I played was always my support and my role model.
"I wanted to give that same example to my son. Especially on the eve of him fulfilling his dream. "
Johan Mina marca de penal y la familia de Silvano Estacio celebra. pic.twitter.com/IOoJwH3zz1
- Diego Ordinola (@Diegordinola) October 29, 2019
Once all documents were signed, Silvano Junior was eligible to face Australia.
His father was then flown home by Ecuadorian officials in the capital city after seeing his dedication to the cause.
Silvano Junior managed to play seven minutes in the game coming off the bench as Ecuador defeated Australia 2-1.
Fans of :flag_ec:Ecuadorian high-flyers @IDV_EC had plenty to enjoy about their nation's opening win at the #U17WC.
- #U17WC :flag_br::soccer: (@FIFAcom) October 27, 2019
:boy::boy::boy::boy::boy::boy::boy::boy::sparkles:
An octet of the team's outstanding youngsters helped guide @FEFecuador to victory over :flag_au:@Socceroos, with their club's exploits key in inspiring them.
Per The World Game, Silvano Junior was in tears at the full time whistle and he said,
"These seven minutes were the most important of all my life."
It's lovely to see how grateful he was to get a chance to represent his country.
Topics: Football, Ecuador, Australia
