The TJB Village is the HUB for all TJB activities at the Penn Relays Carnival. It is an important component in the Penn Relays experience and for the athletes, “a home-away-from-home.” It is the ‘drop–off and departure point,’ for the entire contingent each day; where athletes, coaches and volunteers gather each morning for meals and where sponsors, media, friends and well-wishers alike, converge to start the day.
The provision of meals is one that the TJB Team is proud of. It forms the center-piece of all TJB’s activities at Penn. Athletes and coaches know that maintaining a proper diet is vital to optimal performance. Having to make adjustments to the unfamiliar would be more challenging than any athlete or coach would like. The athletes are served a sumptuous fare each day consisting largely of Jamaican food they know and love. Ackee Saltfish, Callaloo, Jerk Chicken, Fish, Curry Goat, Banana, Hardough bread, Yam are all on the menu. Roti and other Caribbean foods have been added to the menu in recent years as the “tent becomes more Caribbean”. TJB also operates a hospitality room at the hotel, stocked with Jamaican snack items for the athlete’s convenience.
The TJB Village is also the social center, the medical outpost and physical therapy center and one of the focal points of contact for (TJB) corporate sponsors with the audience. It is where national pride reigns supreme as fans gather to revel in the exploits of our talented athletes and to cheer on their countrymen. It is a carnival-like atmosphere where patriotism and love of country towers above all at Franklin Field. Over the three day carnival the atmosphere is dynamic and the buzz is palpable around the TJB Village. The colors of the flags, the music, the energy, the vibe, and the people are all reminders of home.
The TJB Village is the stage for “end of Relays send-off,” where officials, sponsors, visiting government representatives, thousands of Jamaicans and well-wishers gather to say ‘thank you’ and well-done to the athletes and to recognize and applaud the entire cadre of staff and volunteers for yet another year of stellar work.
