By Alexander Krassimirov
November 15 – Not all Bulgarian football stories are about owners at war, death threats to referees and violent fans forcing coaches to quit. The love of football by one Bulgarian fan has touched the hearts of the nation and his favourite club CSKA Sofia.
Dobri is 21 years old, blind and dedicated to supporting his club CSKA. However, his blindness has prevented him from attending matches though his dream has always been to be amongst fellow CSKA fans at a match and to meet his idols.
A friend of Dobri’s decided to surprise him and she contacted the TV show ‘Pay It Forward’ on bTV, trying to arrange a meeting for Dobri with the head coach of CSKA Stoycho Mladenov and his favorite stars of the team.
Show host Natalia Simeonova picked up the idea immediately and in collaboration with the press officer of CSKA Ivan Chenchev, Dobri experienced one of the happiest, if not the happiest moment in his life.
CSKA organized a special visit where Dobri was invited to join the team for a day. He visited the club stadium where he met head coach Mladenov, and club captain Valentin Iliev, as well as other players.
When the story was aired on TV, Bulgaria was touched by the strength and courage of Dobri and his dedication and love to his favorite team.
Days later CSKA decided to continue the fairytale for Dobri. He was officially invited to derby between CSKA and Ludogorets at Bulgarska armia stadium. Dobri was greeted by enormous cheers from a packed stadium and the stands did not stop chanting his name throughout the game. In the first half he sat with CSKA’s most ardent supporters and, unable to restrain his emotions, wept.
Hours after the game, one of the main fan groups of CSKA –’Offensive’ – launched an appeal to raise funds for surgery. According to the fan club, Dobri needs €7,500 for surgery which could restore his sight.
“Dear friends, Dobri needs €7,500 for surgery which will allow him to see again how his favorite team will conquer the fields in Bulgaria and Europe. The sum is not big for such a complex surgery! Everybody can help Dobri with sum to his bank account: Dobromir Stoyanov Stoyanov, IBAN:BG94CECB979010B9241300, BIC:CECBBGSF. Let’s help our brother!” said the appeal message.
It is expected to be installed a special urn among CSKA supporters on Saturday when the team face their biggest rival Levski Sofia.
Contact the writer of this story alexander,moc.l1738763725labto1738763725ofdlr1738763725owedi1738763725sni@v1738763725orimi1738763725ssark1738763725