JET Programme Series: Passing of the Olympic Torch - Steffi Kowlessar
2021/7/26
JET Programme Series: Passing of the Olympic Torch - Steffi Kowlessar
Having been living here for the last few years, I've experienced time and again that Japan is a place of adventures. I'd like to share one of those adventures with you.
Currently, the world has eyes on Japan where the Olympic Games are being held this year. There have been many challenges in getting the games underway. However, if any country can pull it off during these trying times, I believe Japan, already accustomed to practicing precautions everyday, to be well organized to hold a successful event.
Previously, I was excited that the Olympics would be held in Japan because I was looking forward to attending some events - a once in a lifetime adventure kind of thing. Being part of the excitement and environment of an Olympics is rare for someone from Trinidad and Tobago (who is not an athlete). However, the Covid pandemic halted any plans of having spectators at the games.
While disappointed, this luckily placed Trinidadian JET, myself, got to grab a little of the spirit of the Olympics when I experienced seeing the Olympic torch for the first time ever. The 2020 Olympic Torch, carried by Nozomi Kameyama, passed through my town of Shimada at just the right moment for me have a front row viewing as one of many delighted spectators. The moment of seeing the torch was quick and fleeting, but the feeling left behind was indescribable.
That day, I almost couldn't make it because of work. However, my father's voice in my head saying, "The Olympic Torch passed so close to your house and you didn't even go to see it?" motivated me to try very hard to make it to the main street in time. I wanted to have no regrets at missing the opportunity.
It was a short and sweet experience that I'm absolutely happy I got to attend. As Caribbean people, we rarely get chances like these so I want to share this event and emotion with hopeful future JET participants.
Now, in this land of adventures, our Trinbagonian athletes are making Trinidad and Tobago proud by competing in the 2020 Olympics. I'd like to extend congratulations to them whether they win or not. Just showing up to the games is awesome, congratulatory, and creates exposure for us as a country. I hope our athletes have wonderful memories in and of Japan.
JET Series: Passing of the Olympic Torch (Japanese Embassy's Facebook)
JET Programme Series Archives
Currently, the world has eyes on Japan where the Olympic Games are being held this year. There have been many challenges in getting the games underway. However, if any country can pull it off during these trying times, I believe Japan, already accustomed to practicing precautions everyday, to be well organized to hold a successful event.
Previously, I was excited that the Olympics would be held in Japan because I was looking forward to attending some events - a once in a lifetime adventure kind of thing. Being part of the excitement and environment of an Olympics is rare for someone from Trinidad and Tobago (who is not an athlete). However, the Covid pandemic halted any plans of having spectators at the games.
While disappointed, this luckily placed Trinidadian JET, myself, got to grab a little of the spirit of the Olympics when I experienced seeing the Olympic torch for the first time ever. The 2020 Olympic Torch, carried by Nozomi Kameyama, passed through my town of Shimada at just the right moment for me have a front row viewing as one of many delighted spectators. The moment of seeing the torch was quick and fleeting, but the feeling left behind was indescribable.
That day, I almost couldn't make it because of work. However, my father's voice in my head saying, "The Olympic Torch passed so close to your house and you didn't even go to see it?" motivated me to try very hard to make it to the main street in time. I wanted to have no regrets at missing the opportunity.
It was a short and sweet experience that I'm absolutely happy I got to attend. As Caribbean people, we rarely get chances like these so I want to share this event and emotion with hopeful future JET participants.
Now, in this land of adventures, our Trinbagonian athletes are making Trinidad and Tobago proud by competing in the 2020 Olympics. I'd like to extend congratulations to them whether they win or not. Just showing up to the games is awesome, congratulatory, and creates exposure for us as a country. I hope our athletes have wonderful memories in and of Japan.
JET Series: Passing of the Olympic Torch (Japanese Embassy's Facebook)
JET Programme Series Archives