A quiet and unassuming man, Mark Coupe doesn’t much like to talk about himself.
The senior engineer, who spends his days leading the team responsible for lights, mirrors, wipers and wash systems at NTCE, prefers to just go about his life.
For Mark, helping others and playing an active role in the community is just something one does and not something worthy of special mention or recognition.
Yet, when his nomination to carry the Olympic Torch on its journey to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games was considered, the panel recognised Mark’s extra-curricular community contributions were anything but ordinary.
As a result, he was chosen as one of the ‘Nissan Nine’ and will carry the Olympic flame for approximately 200 metres through the city of Belo Horizonte – the City of Beautiful Horizons – as part of its 95-day, 36,000km journey that will be seen by an estimated 90 percent of Brazil’s population.
He will be cheered on by one of his two daughters, 19 year-old Frances, who will accompany him on the unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime trip.
A committed Christian, much of Mark’s free time is spent at his local church, St Lawrence Church in Long Buckby, Northamptonshire, where he has for a long time been heavily involved with the youth development team. This involves working with young people of all ages, assisting their spiritual development and organizing enjoyable and meaningful activities.
As a keen biker (he owns three motorcycles – a sporty Kawasaki, a ‘sit up and beg’ Honda and a Ducati for fun) Mark is also a member of the Christian Motorcyclists’ Association. This takes him to rallies and events all over the country where he not only gets to indulge his passion for bikes, but also volunteers, serving teas and refreshments to fellow bikers.
Despite having no dramatic experience, he joined his local amateur dramatic society, the Welton Players, some years back to make friends in the community. He now serves as the group’s secretary and has also directed its annual pantomime, which this year raised more than £1,000 for good causes.
Looking ahead to his trip to Brazil, an excited Mark said: “When I was told I had been selected to go on the trip it was a bit hard to believe. It was a real wow moment.
Now it’s had time to sink in but I’m still buzzing.”
He added: “I don’t think I would have been interested if it had just been a corporate hospitality trip. But being chosen to carry the Olympic torch on its momentous journey is such an amazing honour – I simply can’t wait.
All-in-all, it’s going to be an amazing trip with lots of fantastic experiences but carrying the torch will be the undoubted highlight for me.”
Meet another member of the Nissan Nine on Nissan Insider next week.
