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Kazakhstan Benefits from Mormon Kindness
PROVO, UTAH -- Ten years after the Soviet Union collapsed, Kazakhstan
developed its own country. A few weeks ago, the Kazakhstan womens
hockey team travelled 6,000 miles to Salt Lake City to compete in the
XIX Winter Olympic Games and developed a lasting friendship with
their new found friends in Utah. Their final game with China put them
in eighth and final place in the women's tournament and in first
place in the hearts of Utah.
"They were like our little sisters," said volunteer Shannon
Arnoldsen, who took three years of Russian at BYU and felt a kinship
with the women from the impoverished country. The Kazakhstan women's
hockey team attended the games on a shoestring budget but it didn't
take long for those around them to notice and find a way to help.
Donations started rolling in as soon as the word went out.
"Sweden gets off the bus with matching berets and Versace outfits,"
said Matthew Hemmert, a volunteer who supervises team transportation.
"Then Kazakhstan gets off in hospital scrubs or sweat pants with
holes in them." The bus driver added to the sobering tale the news
that they spent 10 minutes shopping at the local mall. The players
returned with the news, "Too expensive."
One team member came with $50 for her 17-day stay, according to Provo
hospital spokesman, Anton Garrity. The hospital gave the team a
luncheon before leaving. "Focusing on what they don't have is a
little hard on them," team host Jenny Davis said. "They want the
focus to be on how hard they work. They don't feel like they're poor.
They don't feel like they're the have-nots."
The bookstore at Brigham Young University donated sweatshirts. The
Olympic spirit spread through Provo and soon arena volunteers chipped
in and bought the players Salt Lake 2002 fanny packs. Clothing poured
in and about $1,5000 was raised. Children drew Valentine cards for
the players and while the team was loosing their second consecutive
game by the score of 7-0, the volunteers were putting the cards along
with gifts on the Kazakhstan's team bus.
"I just told them we were inspired by their courage and the obstacles
they overcame to be here," Arnoldsen said. Players broke down when
they saw the gifts and posed for photos with the volunteers. Gift
bags were filled with Mormon Tabernacle Choir CD's and caps knitted
by members of a Provo ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints.
"Team members made personal sacrifices to attend the Games, said IHC
Administrator Mary Ann Young. "They came with limited resources to
participate in these games." "They may not go home with the gold, but
they will go home with the hearts of this community," Young added.
Natalya Yakovchuk scored the only Olympic goal on Friday. "I am glad
to have this opportunity to thank the citizens of America for the
exceedingly warm reception, excellent hospitality, the way they treat
our team, which is especially wonderful because we know we're not
known as the best team," Yakovchuk said. "Thank you on behalf of our
team."
"I'm honored the team touched the heart of the people here," said
Alexandr Maltsev, the Kazakhstan women's team coach.
Sources:
Kazakhstan Women Toast Of Salt Lake
Tampa FL Tribune 20Feb02 P2
By Martin Fennelly
Kazakhstan team gets Utah embrace
Deseret News 21Feb02 P2
By Rodger L. Hardy: Deseret News staff writer
A little kindness goes a long way at Olympics
Provo UT Daily Herald pg9 16Feb02 P2
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