QUEENS, NY – Officials of the New York-based non-profit group, Team Jamaica Bickle, are gearing up to host over 400 Jamaican athletes, who will be participating at the 112th running of the Penn Relays.
Officials are challenging themselves this year to cater meals, transportation and accommodation for over 99 percent of the Jamaican contingent, who will be running at the three-day event.
TJB officials made the disclosure on Thursday night, April 21, at the 11th annual kick-off reception at the Jamaican Consulate in Manhattan.
This means that the non-profit group, run by volunteers based mainly in New York and Philadelphia, is even harder pressed this year to cover thousands of dollars in expenses.
Big donations to date have come from sponsors like the Union of Jamaican Alumni Association and the Vincent Hosang group of companies. While special honoree of the evening, Ray Goulbourne, the Jamaican-born executive vice president for Broadcast Sales of BET, added a US$5,000 donation to the group.
Other special guests of the evening were top Jamaican athletes, Kenia Sinclair and Devon Harris. Sinclair reminisced about being an athlete for St. Jago High School, when they depended on TJB for the ‘bickle’ or food that they provided. And she expressed the hope that in a few years, she too will be able to give back to the group that continues to make such a difference in the lives of so many athletes.
While Harris, who was part of the group of first time Jamaica bobsledders that inspired the hit Disney movie, “Cool Runnings,” reminded the audience of the contributions of the “small” nation to the world. And referring to his new children’s book, the bobsledder turned motivational speaker, urged all to have a “Yes I Can,” attitude.
Many, including Counsel General of Jamaica, Dr. Basil K. Bryan, also paid tribute to TJB founder, Irwine Clare. Clare for his part stressed the need for more to give back. “We have a challenge,” he said, making reference to the clear need for more funding for the group. “But I know we will be successful.”
Major sponsors again this year include Caribbean Foods Delight, Jerk Qzine, Grace Foods, Western Union, VMBS, UJAA, Trans Continental, O.J. Plumbing, Air Jamaica & The Door Restaurant. For more information on how to make a donation to this worthy cause or to volunteer your time, call 718-523- 2861.
The 112th Penn Relay Carnival will take place April 27- 29, 2006 at Ben Franklin Field in Philadelphia. Tickets can be obtained by calling 1-888-PENN-TIX. (CaribPR Newswire)
Kenia Sinclair
Top Jamaican athlete at the
Team Jamaica Bickle
2006 Kick-Off reception
