This blog will serve as an insider look of the Vancouver Olympics through the eyes and words of the Ethiopian Delegation's Yoseph Teklemariam. As well as presenting reflections on how ESA is using this experience to further advance its mission and vision.
Vancouver Olympics Blog
Volunteers, the unsung heroes
So, from my first experience in the Winter Olympics, a brief four days in Turin 2006, I was fascinated by an individual who described himself as an addict of the Olympic games.
He is an Ethiopian man that speaks (at my last count) 13 languages! Naturally, he has volunteered as a translator for the last 7 Olympics, including both editions. I recall him telling me of this "addiction" to the games, and I'm understanding why even more so every day. Besides the obvious nature of being around world class athletes and competitions, the camaraderie, fellowship, and interaction with individuals from all walks of life is to be treasured.
Volunteers, especially, have some amazing stories. Imagine, the majority of the folks working the Olympics are not getting paid, give up several weeks pay of their regular jobs, and actually pay to be working the duration of the games. Basically, you are dealing with folks that really want to be
a part of the excitement and thrill of the games, who in my experience, have been wonderful and very helpful. Aberra is kind of a legend of the Olympics in his own right. If volunteering was an Olympic sport, I'd have to say he'd be my favorite for gold. We wish he had walked out alongside the Ethiopian delegation during the opening ceremony, as I've heard this might be his last time volunteering. I'd suggest for anyone to consider taking his lead (especially linguists) as a volunteer of future games if ever it is a possibility
Aberra Aguegnehu - World Class Volunteer!
Village Atmosphere
With 80 nations represented in the Whistler Athletes Village, you get to hear so many languages and have the opportunity for such cultural exchange that would otherwise be extremely rare. This has been one of the many blessings of participating in the Olympics. Everyone seems to have a wonderful story of how they got here and if for even a five minute conversation, one can learn and discover something interesting. For example, as I'm sitting here in this wonderful cafe located in the center of the athletes village, I met the assistant to the Israeli delegation. He told me how their skeleton racer had an issue with his equipment which made it completely unusable. Would you guess which nation's athlete offered and gave him a his own skeleton sled? Iraq! Above politics and all the competition, there is such a respect for one another as athletes here that should be practiced more in day to day life where one recognizes another as a "global citizen". It's such a beautiful thing
Obstacles as Challenges
One of the main things that Robel has exemplified throughout his journey to the Olympics is ultimately his resiliency. To be an Olympian, it is fair to assume that this is true for any such athlete. However, consider the fact that the majority of Olympic teams have quite the collection of personnel to support their athletes. Coaches, Trainers, Team Leaders, Technicians, PR Agents/Spokespersons, etc... When it is said that the Ethiopian Ski Association has a "one-man ski team" it is the embodiment of most of these roles that, for now, fall on the shoulders of our sole athlete. This is something generally expected for a fledgling ski association, nonetheless, needs to be expressed. And it is something we have taken on among all the other obstacles that have come our way as challenges rather than dwelling on such issues negatively. Led by Robel, the four-member delegation here in Vancouver aims to network and make the necessary connections to grow Ethiopia's presence in winter sports. That way, the main obstacles we hope to face in the future will be limited to the race tracks.
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