Sports

Team Jamaica Bickle Presses On Despite Challenges

NEW YORK – Team Jamaica Bickle (TJB) will enter the 2017 season, hampered by the lack of funding but armed with the same level of enthusiasm that inspired the organization’s genesis some 23 years ago.

The landscape has changed tremendously as more schools and hence more students compete at the Penn Relays. As a result the demand for services provided by the organization is greater.

Team Jamaica Bickle hosts athletes from Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Grenada, St. Vincent & The Grenadines and Guyana. Services provided cover, three hot meals daily, ground transportation, chiropractic and medical services as well as assistance with hotel accommodation.

The challenge of fundraising is not new but against the backdrop of operational changes at the Penn Relays where corporate sponsorship now falls under the Penn Relays management ambit, it makes for a tougher time for the New York based not for profit.

Team Jamaica Bickle at Penn Relays
Proposed “Bickle Week” in New York

The range of activities planned include; the annual breakfast in New York which is now in its 5th year as well a brunch held in Philadelphia; three church services across the boroughs and one in Philadelphia and for the first time a (proposed) “Bickle Week” in New York.

The tentative dates are, April 18-25.

Participating restaurants will donate proceeds from sales to the organization. Additionally, there is Caribbean Cuisine Week, April 25-28 in Philadelphia, organized by Young Caribbean Professional Network (YCPN) to also assist in fundraising efforts.

Irwine Clare, CEO Team Jamaica Bickle
Irwine Clare, CEO (file photo)

“As things change, we have to constantly innovate when it comes to fundraising,” said Irwine Clare, CEO. “What we have seen in recent years is a willingness of individuals to host private events to assist us. We are a resilient organization. We continue to diversify our efforts and solidify our mission as our athletes and ambassadors remain our priority.”

Through the years TJB has also lent assistance to other sport organizations and athletes. Its most recent was the hosting of Special Olympic athletes in New York.

The group was en-route to the Special Olympics currently on in Austria. The group was treated to brunch and care packages.

The organization is also in its 4th year of its “Defibrillator to Schools,” as it seeks to outfit as many high schools in Jamaica as possible with a unit.

Donations to the organization may be made at Team Jamaica Bickle or by mail to 242-14 Merrick Blvd., Rosedale, NY 11422; T. 718.523.2861.

South Florida Caribbean News

The SFLCN.com Team provides news and information for the Caribbean-American community in South Florida and beyond.

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