Penn Relays Wall of Fame Honors Team Jamaica Bickle

PHILADEPHIA –  Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, Major General (Ret’d) Antony Anderson, has hailed Team Jamaica Bickle (TJB) as a vital force behind the island’s sustained dominance in track and field. He described the organization as indispensable to Jamaica’s athletic development pipeline.

At Team Jamaica Bickle’s annual Chairman’s reception during the 130th Penn Relays, Ambassador Anderson spoke. He addressed athletes, supporters, and volunteers. He praised the organization’s 32 years of service. The service supports Jamaican athletes competing at the prestigious Philadelphia meet. The reception was held at the Reserve, Wine and Bar Lounge on Friday April 24th 2026 downtown Philadelphia.

Team Jamaica Bickle’s 32-Year Legacy

“For 32 years in a row, you have done a fantastic job,” Ambassador Anderson said. He commended TJB founder Irwine Clare Sr. He also praised the dedicated volunteers. Their combined efforts have helped more than 18,000 athletes. The program has provided about US$5 million over its history.

The Ambassador underscored the critical role TJB plays in levelling the playing field for talented student-athletes from under-resourced schools, noting that without the organisation’s intervention, many of Jamaica’s most promising young competitors would never reach the Penn Relays stage.

“Quite often some of our jewels are coming from schools that can’t afford it,” he said. “When you step into that breach and allow them to come here and we see them win, that is your reward.”

Ambassador Anderson challenged former beneficiaries of the program to give back to the next generation. He stressed that even modest financial contributions could produce future Olympic champions.

“That $100 can be the difference between an athlete not getting an opportunity and another Olympic gold medal for Jamaica,” he said.

Douglas Honored; Wall of Fame Inductees Celebrated

The reception also served as an occasion to recognize outstanding achievement within Jamaica’s athletic community. Sprint sensation Shanoya Douglas of Holland High School was honoured by Team Jamaica Bickle and the City of Philadelphia. She received a citation from the Philadelphia Mayor’s Commission on African and Caribbean Immigrant Affairs. This was in recognition of her exceptional performances, including setting a new Jamaican Under-20 record in the 200 metres.

Organizers said Douglas’s award is similar to the one Usain Bolt received early in his career. At that time, Bolt earned similar honors from Team Jamaica Bickle.

The evening also celebrated the induction of two celebrated athletic legacies into the Penn Relays Wall of Fame. Former Dinthill Technical long jumper Elva Goulbourne, Jamaica’s national record holder in both outdoor and indoor long jump, was inducted in recognition of her landmark 6.40-metre jump at Penn Relays in 1999. She surpassed Carol Lewis’s previous record of 6.33 metres.

The Jamaica College 4×800 metre relay team of 1999, comprising Jeffery Wallace, Dwayne Medley, Kerrick Ferril, and Mashel Jackson, was also inducted into the Penn Relays Wall of Fame. They were honored by the City of Philadelphia and Team Jamaica Bickle in recognition of their historic performance at the meet.

The reception further noted Jamaica’s strong competitive showing at this year’s Penn Relays, with 12 Jamaican schools fielding teams in the 4×100 metre event.

A Story Worth Telling

Ambassador Anderson said the story of Team Jamaica Bickle started in 1994. It has lasted for over three decades through volunteers and community support. He added that Jamaica’s diplomatic mission will keep sharing and promoting it.

“It is a story of creating a forum for talented young athletes to compete, to sharpen each other and be propelled to greatness,” he said. “It is a critical component in Jamaica’s development.”

Since it began, Team Jamaica Bickle has helped Jamaican athletes and coaches at Penn Relays. It provides meals, medical care, transport, and other support. This has made it a key part of Jamaica’s track and field system.