Jamaica Hosts Volunteer from Tokyo Olympics

Volunteer assisted hurdler Hansle Parchment to win Gold.

Jamaica welcomed and honored the volunteer whose act of kindness helped hurdler Hansle Parchment make it to his event at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, where he went on to win gold in the 110m hurdles. Ms. Teiyana Kawashima Stojkovic was hosted in Jamaica with her immediate family for a week as a gesture of gratitude for her selfless support.

“On behalf of the government of Jamaica, I thank Teiyana for her single act of kindness that created a positive ripple effect and gave our country the gold at the Olympics. We are truly grateful for her assistance and happy she and her family were able to enjoy our authentic Jamaican experiences and hospitality,” said Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett.

In a moment that captured hearts worldwide, Parchment shared how Ms. Teiyana assisted him when he mistakenly boarded the wrong bus to the Olympic Stadium, ensuring he arrived in time to compete in the semifinals and ultimately secure Jamaica’s only gold medal in track and field at the Games.

Director of Tourism, Donovan White expressed the nation’s appreciation, stating:

“Jamaica will never forget the kindness and generosity shown to one of our athletes in his time of need.”

“This visit is a small way to say thank you and celebrate the power of goodwill and sportsmanship.”

During their stay, Ms. Kawashima and her family experienced Jamaica’s rich culture, scenic beauty, and warm hospitality. The itinerary included visits to key sites like Dunn’s River Falls and a reunion with Hansle Parchment at the Bob Marley Museum.

Jamaica’s hosting of this extraordinary guest underscores the country’s deep values of gratitude and unity. The event also serves as an inspiring reminder of how simple acts of kindness can lead to historic achievements.

JAMAICA TOURIST BOARD  

The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), founded in 1955, is Jamaica’s national tourism agency based in the capital city of Kingston. JTB offices are also located in Montego Bay, Miami, Toronto and London. Representative offices are in Berlin, Barcelona, Rome, Amsterdam, Mumbai, Tokyo and Paris.   

Jamaica is home to some of the world’s best accommodations, attractions and service providers that continue to receive prominent global recognition, and the destination is routinely ranked among the best to visit globally by prestigious international publications.  In 2024, the JTB was declared ‘World’s Leading Cruise Destination’ and ‘World’s Leading Family Destination’ for the fifth consecutive year by the World Travel Awards, which also named it named “Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board” for the 17th consecutive year. In addition, Jamaica was awarded six 2024 Travvy Awards, including a gold for ‘Best Travel Agent Academy Program’ and silver for ‘Best Culinary Destination – Caribbean’ and ‘Best Tourism Board – Caribbean’. Jamaica was also awarded bronze statuettes for ‘Best Destination – Caribbean’, ‘Best Wedding Destination – Caribbean’, and ‘Best Honeymoon Destination – Caribbean’. It also received a TravelAge West WAVE award for ‘International Tourism Board Providing the Best Travel Advisor Support’ for a record-setting 12^th time. TripAdvisor® ranked Jamaica the #7 Best Honeymoon Destination in the World and the #19 Best Culinary Destination in the World for 2024.

For details on upcoming special events, attractions and accommodations in Jamaica go to the JTB’s Website at or call the Jamaica Tourist Board at 1-800-JAMAICA (1-800-526-2422).  Follow the JTB on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube. View the JTB blog

SEEN IN MAIN IMAGE:  Prime Minister of Jamaica, The Most Hon Andrew Holness (1st L), Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett (1st R) and Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator the Hon Aubyn Hill, pause for a moment with Ms. Teiyana Kawashima Stojkovic, Olympic Volunteer at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, who helped Jamaican Hurdler, Hansle Parchment. Joining in the moment (l-R) are Mischa Kawashima Stojkovic, Brother, Yuki Kawashima Stojkovic, Mother and Andrija Kawashima Stojkovic, Brother.

Media Contact:  Kiwayne Jacobs, Jamaica Tourist Board, [email protected]