KINGSTON, Jamaica- Tokyo 2020 Olympics volunteer Teiyana Kawashima Stojkovic, who drew worldwide acclaim for her act of kindness towards 110m hurdles Olympic champion Hansle Parchment, is now in Jamaica.

The Olympics volunteer gave the athlete taxi fare to get to the track and field stadium to compete in the semi-final, after he had accidentally boarded the bus to the wrong venue.

Stojkovic, who hails from Japan, arrived on the island on February 17 with her family and was greeted at the Princess Grand Hotel in Hanover with a warm reception.

Parchment, who publicly thanked her in a heartfelt three-minute video shortly after the Olympics, spoke about the significance of her gesture.

“Had it not been for her selflessness, I probably would not have run in the race. I saw this volunteer and I had to beg, because of course she is not allowed to do much, and she actually gave me some money to take one of the taxis. That’s how I was able to get to the warm-up area and venue in time,” he stated.

The invitation for her to visit Jamaica was extended by the Ministry of Tourism nearly four years ago, but the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the trip.

Japanese 3333: Tokyo 2020 Olympics volunteer, Teiyana Kawashima Stojkovic (left) is greeted by (from second left) Tourism Regional Director, Odette Dyer; Deputy Director of Marketing, Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), Peter Mullings; and President of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), Robin Russell, during a welcome reception at the Princess Grand Hotel, Hanover on February 17.

“This was one of the most heartwarming stories that came out of the 2020 Olympics. We have been wanting to say thank you since then, and…as we all know…we as Jamaicans, never forget to show our appreciation,” Russell said.

For her part, Stojkovic expressed her gratitude for the warm reception she and her family have received.
“I just want to thank everybody who is responsible for this beautiful reception. Everyone has been so kind…thank you all,” she stated.

– JIS