The world is watching the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo, thanks to the
media. Especially with the pandemic, few people get to set foot at the actual
venue, but billions can watch – even on a cell phone!
For Tomoko and her family, this event has special meaning. The
Olympic Games are being played in their native country, and she attended the
university in Tokyo. For Tomoko’s whole family, the Olympic Games have special meaning
because Tomoko’s daughter Beata and her husband Charles competed in the 2002
Winter Olympics as ice dancers. Of course, Tomoko and her husband Desi watched
Beata and Charles ringside. The family was particularly lucky because the 2002 Olympics
were held in Salt Lake City: as close to their homes as possible.
But the connections don’t stop there.
In 1948 the Paralympic Games was launched, mainly to benefit
injured war veterans. By 1960 23 countries were represented in the Paralympic Games.
Since 1992 both the winter and summer Paralympic Games take place a fortnight
after the Olympic Games, in the same arenas and other competition venues.
Since the 2002 Olympics, Handra and Charles have had the
opportunity to skate in the Opening Ceremonies for the Paralympic Games. “We
felt very lucky to have been able to return to Salt Lake City again and see the
Paralympians experience the same exhilaration we did in our Opening
Ceremonies,” said Charles.
Beata and Charles returned from the Olympian and Paralympian
trip to Washington D.C. feeling refreshed. “For three fun days we hung out with
fellow U.S. Olympians and made new Paralympian friends, said Beata. “We all
attended two black tie dinners, a lunch hosted by the Speaker of the House, and
visited the White House where the President gave a speech to the athletes on
the South Lawn.”
Tomoko’s family demonstrates their own great achievements through
talent, discipline and perseverance – and they applaud other’s determination and
passion as well. It is truly the Olympic/Paralympic spirit!
