The story of Nishida Gymnastics is amazing. I was happy to see NHK do a feature on their “Side by Side” program that focuses on inspiring stories of Japanese people working with communities in developing countries to help solve issues and create opportunities. I met Mr Nishida at the Japanese Calendar Festival 2017 held at the Knutsford Court Hotel in Kingston and saw some of his students as they did an awesome demonstration of gymnastics. Check out the website at ngjamaica.com
Nishida Gymnastics Jamaica
For over 15 years, Nishida Shin has taught gymnastics in Jamaica, a country with little history of this sport. Aside from paid lessons, he also runs free classes for kids from poor areas where crime is common. Nishida wanted to give these children a different goal. One such boy was Daniel Williams, who began training with Nishida at 8 and went to the World Championships at 20. He’s now a coach, training the next generation of athletes. Meet the team shaping a new future for Jamaica’s children.
Check out the feature on-demand at NHK World