On a night of celebration and recognition, Team Jamaica Bickle (TJB) marked its 30th anniversary with an award ceremony at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston on Monday. Founded in 1994 by Irwin Clare, TJB Inc. is a Queens-based philanthropic organization dedicated to providing hospitality services to Jamaican and Caribbean athletes at the prestigious Penn Relays Carnival held at Franklin Field Stadium, University of Pennsylvania.

The ceremony, attended by esteemed guests and honourees, including US Ambassador to Jamaica N. Nickolas Perry and Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of Technology Ali McNab, paid tribute to individuals who have played pivotal roles in Jamaica's track and field success over the past three decades. Among those recognized were 2009 World Champion Brigitte Foster-Hylton, Olympic gold medalist Michael Frater, Earl Jarrett of Jamaica National, and renowned entertainer Tony Rebel.

Unfortunately, Frater was unavoidably unable to attend. Both he and Foster-Hylton were recognized for their invaluable contributions as athletes representing Jamaica at the Olympics and World Championships. Jarrett was awarded for his role in Jamaica National’s partnership with TBJ. Tony Rebel, meanwhile, has been a worthy ambassador the organization over the years.

However, the spotlight shone brightest on veteran track coach Glen Mills, who received a special award for his exemplary service spanning five decades in the sport.

Mills, renowned for coaching multiple world and Olympic champions including Usain Bolt, Yohan Blake, and Warren Weir, was honored with a proclamation from the United States House of Representatives, facilitated by New York congresswoman Yvette Clarke. Presenting the award, Irwin Clare expressed gratitude for Mills' profound impact on Jamaican athletics, both locally and globally.

"Tonight, Team Jamaica Bickle is honored to present a proclamation from the United States House of Representatives courtesy of Congresswoman Yvette D Clarke, for the work you have done not only here in Jamaica but across the world. Congratulations, Sir!" Clare exclaimed, acknowledging Mills' significant contributions to the sport.

In response, Mills expressed his surprise and gratitude for the prestigious recognition, emphasizing the honour it held for him. Reflecting on his enduring relationship with the Penn Relays, Mills highlighted his coaching tenure at Camperdown High School, where he achieved remarkable success.

“During my days at Camperdown, we were able to win something like 10 national titles in 15 years and we held a sprint record for 17 years, which is still a record, so I, too, enjoyed the delicious meals provided by Jamaica Bickle. The athletes were always in a hurry to get to the tent to before the food finished so it was always a good incentive to run fast so that they could get there quickly and so we had some really great times at Penn Relays.”

In closing, Mills commended Irwin Clare and Team Jamaica Bickle for their dedication over the past three decades, emphasizing the profound impact of their hospitality services on Jamaican athletes. He underscored the importance of TJB's mission in nurturing and supporting athletes, ensuring they perform at their best on the international stage.

"For you to recognize what they are doing, you have to be there to experience it; to see the Jamaican athletes how they gravitate towards that tent to get Jamaican meals," Mills remarked, acknowledging TJB's invaluable contribution to Jamaica's athletic success.

 

Team Jamaica Bickle (TJB) is preparing to welcome Jamaican athletes to the Penn Relays Carnival for 2022 as the easing of COVID-19 restrictions takes effect across the USA and the Caribbean. The 125th staging of the Penn Relays will take place at Franklin Field, University of Pennsylvania, April 28-30, 2022 after a two-year break because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

TJB was well into planning mode in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic halted most sporting activities worldwide, the Penn Relays is no exception. However, now that the Relays are set to resume, TJB’s Irwine Clare, Sr could not be more delighted.

“We know that our athletes have trained hard to showcase their prowess on the international stage and must be thrilled to be back on this revered stage for track and field, not only for bragging rights but most importantly to secure scholarships to colleges and universities overseas,” he said.

“We know many of them would have been disappointed over the two-year absence, even while scaled-down versions were held.”

Clare noted, however, that many student-athletes were still able to take advantage of scholarship opportunities during the hiatus as their body of work would have allowed colleges to make those decisions.

At the Penn Relays, most schools make use of the coordinated services and hugely discounted accommodation rates negotiated by TJB at the ‘team hotel’. The organization also helps with ground transportation, including daily shuttles to the stadium as well as physiotherapy services offered by a team led by Dr Thien Dang-Tan.

As is customary, with weeks to go, TJB has been busy planning a number of fundraising activities including a luncheon to be held Sunday, April 24, from 12 noon to 5 p.m., at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury, NY.

Noted Olympian and educator Vilma B. Charlton, OD, will be honoured with the Pioneer in Athletics & Exemplary Leader in Sport Award. Other honorees include Stephen Drummond, Esq.; Dawn Warren, Esq., David Warren, Esq., and JoAnne Squillace, Esq.

 

 

Team Jamaica Bickle (TJB) said it is disappointed but understands the reasons for the cancellation of the 2021 Penn Relays that were set to run off from April 22-24, 2021.

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