Afel: The Jamaican Boy Who Dreamed of Skiing

The Story of Afel

Afel is a Jamaican boy who first saw snow in a picture book when he was very young. He asked his mother what snow was, and she laughed while she explained it to him.

Years later, while watching a large TV at his uncle’s house, a program about snow suddenly started. He did not know what the program was about; he only thought the people on the screen looked like animals flying all over the place.

His uncle explained what was happening. He said the event was “The Winter Olympics,” which takes place every four years, and described the different sports included in the competition. Afel began to understand, and he paid the most attention to the skiers.

A Dream Takes Root

As soon as he discovered these competitions, he decided he would participate in the future, representing Jamaica in skiing. However, those around him told him there was no Jamaican skiing team. Afel did not consider this an obstacle.

After making this decision, he started to train with wooden skis he built himself in the desert. He dreamed of becoming the world champion.

Character Profiles

• Afel: A young Jamaican boy who loves skiing and snow, despite only having seen them in pictures and on television. He is a focused person with clear goals who is not influenced by the opinions of others.
• Mother: Afel’s mother. She is the one who first explains what snow is to him.
• Uncle: Afel’s uncle, who enjoys watching a wide variety of TV programs. He introduces Afel to the existence of skiing competitions.

Vocabulary List

• Goggles: Gafas de protección / nieve
• Fields: Campos
• Excitedly: Emocionado
• Bobsleigh: Deporte de nieve
• Tied: Atado

Personal Reflection

In my opinion, this story is quite interesting because it makes you think about things that are common for some people, while being strange or difficult to find for others. It makes me appreciate everything I currently have, as many people in other places would wish for the same. I recommend this story because it encourages readers to value what they have.

Additional Vocabulary

• Instead: En vez
• Care: Cuidado / importa (e.g., "Can you care if I have two more pieces than you?")
• Dunes: Dunas
• Didn’t matter: No importaba