Japanese find friends in Heber Valley
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HEBER CITY, Utah — Tamami Tanaka was gasping for air in her first biathlon competition of the 2002 Winter Olympics when she heard spectators yell, "gambate Tamami," or, hang in there. She turned to notice a band of unknown people waving a banner with her name.
A member of the Moiwa Ward, Sapporo Japan West Stake, she didn't know she had fans in Heber Valley until she heard them cheer. During the next two weeks of the Olympics, they became like family.
Word traveled quickly through the Mill Road Ward in Heber City, Utah, when members learned through the Church News that a Japanese member was coming to town. Brad Baird, who completed a mission to Japan in 1976, and his wife, LaWynn, invited ward members to cheer for her.
"Having Tamami to cheer for made the Olympics much more exciting and meaningful for our family and our ward members," said Sister Baird. "Having a face to cheer for made the Olympics a local story, instead of a television event that happened to take place in our backyard."
Ward members like Corrine Schade, a returned missionary to Japan, accompanied the Bairds to the motel one evening to present Tamami with Valentine gifts. She also prepared Japanese cuisine for a farewell party.
Kathryn Sanders, home only nine months from a Japanese mission, provided translation and friendship to Japanese competitors who hadn't been home for more than six months.
Rik Dummar, a returned missionary to Japan, also aided with translation. He and his sister, Sonnet, bought tickets and were part of the cheering section, as did Bishop Steven L. Hansen.
About 60 ward members signed a card wishing her good luck in the races.
The Bairds' 10-year-old son, Taylor, molded clay figures of biathlon skiers, complete with rifles, and mounted them on a wooden base. When Tamami's roommates learned of the figures, they asked for clay figures also.
Following her fourth and final competition, ward members and friends gathered at the Baird home for a farewell dinner for the Japanese team members where there were many pictures taken and much laughter.
During the discussion Tamami commented on the beauty of the Soldier Hollow venue and said that because of the sparse trees competitors were always visible to coaches, making it impossible to hide to stop for rest.
After three and a half hours of story telling, and autographs, and questions, newfound friends departed. "It was great fun," said Sister Baird. "It was a great experience." — Shaun Stahle
