Team Jamaica Bickle (TJB) says it will not have its signature “TJB Tent” this year at the Penn Relays in Philadelphia.
The philanthropic organization said on Friday that its new home will be the Palestra, home of the University of Pennsylvania’s Basketball Teams.
“Located in the Carnival Village, this iconic and recently bestowed City Landmark Arena will host our athletes and officials from Jamaica and the Caribbean,” said TJB in a statement.
“Coming off a very successful return to the Penn Relays last year, one that included Official Honored Guest Prime Minister Andrew Holness, efforts are underway for TJB 29,” it added. “This year, TJB will celebrate female student athletes as they take center stage on the Saturday at the Relays.”
TJB said it also welcomes back in full support Caribbean Foods Delight, their partner who celebrates 45 years in business.
Courtesy Andrea Daley
As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization founded in 1994, TJB provides a wide range of services in the development and care of the athletes and coaches at the Penn Relays through their Hospitality Initiative Program providing: meals, physical therapy, chiropractic care, mentorship, medical services, and ground transportation; as well as being forefront in negotiating subsidized hotel rates for the athletes and coaches.
TJB’s founder and CEO Irwine Clare shares that “in excess of US$150,000 has to be raised” to assure our athletes, our ambassadors are treated well.
TJB said it will host its third staging of its Labor of Love Fundraising Luncheon on Sunday, April 16, April 2023, at the Crest Hollow Country Club, 8325 Jericho Turnpike, Woodbury, NY 11797.
Under the patronage of Jamaica’s Consul General to New York, Alsion Wilson, O.D., TJB said Labor of Love will be a combination of “Celebrating Our Athletes, Our Ambassadors,” highlighting TJB’s community partnerships, saying thanks to Patricia Chin of VP Records for her pioneering role in reggae music and her steadfast support of TJB’s initiatives of music and sports.
The TJB Exemplary Leader in Athletics Award will be bestowed on Aleen Bailey. She is an Olympian having represented Jamaica on multiple winning teams.
Considered “The Reliable Warrior”, TJB said “Aleen always instills a fighting spirit to her craft which resonated well with her team.”
TJB said a surprise guest artiste will entertain to thrill guests. Last year the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Kamina Johnson-Smith joined in the revelry and performance by Romain Virgo.
“It is safe to say that the mission and subsequent work by this body of Diasporans have lived up to their commitment over the past 29 years, and includes the affiliated “Team Jamaica Bickle, Philadelphia Organizing Committee.”
For additional information to: Irwine Clare, Snr., O.D. – irwineclare22@gmail.com or 347-678-3546; or Karen Wilson Robinson – knwilson14@gmail.com or 646-498-9816.
