About Team Jamaica Bickle
Team Jamaica Bickle is a leading nonprofit organization providing support services for Caribbean student-athletes, particularly Jamaicans, who compete annually at the Penn Relays Carnival at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.
Our work over the past 30+ years reflects the strength of our community and the commitment to supporting youth athletes competing on the international stage.
To ensure that Caribbean youth athletes competing internationally have the support, care, and encouragement they need to perform with confidence and pride.
To provide essential services for student-athletes and coaches attending the Penn Relays and other international events, while representing the spirit of Jamaica through the motto: “Our Athletes, Our Ambassadors.”
Our work over the past 30+ years reflects the strength of our community and the commitment to supporting youth athletes competing on the international stage.
1994
Team Jamaica Bickle is established in New York State by Irwine G. Clare Sr. to support Jamaican student-athletes traveling to Philadelphia for the Penn Relays. At the same time, the affiliated TJB-Philadelphia Organizing Committee is formed by co-founder Blane Stoddart, who now heads the affiliated Friends of Team Jamaica Bickle in Philadelphia.
1999
Team Jamaica Bickle becomes the first Jamaican organization to serve as a participating sponsor at the Penn Relays. As a result, the Jamaican flag becomes the first foreign flag to be flown at the Penn Relays, a distinction that remains unmatched.
2000s
What began as a support system for Jamaican teams grows into a broader Caribbean mission. Over the years, Team Jamaica Bickle extends its services to student-athletes and coaches from Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Guyana, Grenada, Bahamas, Barbados, United States Virgin Islands and Belize.
2010s
Team Jamaica Bickle expands the range of services available to athletes and coaches during Penn Relays, including meals and refreshments, physical therapy, chiropractic and medical services, mentorship, ground transportation, hotel-to-stadium shuttle service, airport transfers, subsidized hotel rates, and subsidized airfare.
Today
Today, Team Jamaica Bickle provides services to a delegation of approximately 650 students and coaches each year. For many young athletes, Team Jamaica Bickle remains a home away from home during one of the most important competitions of their lives.
Our work over the past 30+ years reflects the strength of our community and the commitment to supporting youth athletes competing on the international stage.
Director
Accomplished architect and senior project manager with 20+ years of experience delivering educational facilities.
About
Founder / Executive Director
Founder of Team Jamaica Bickle and longtime advocate for Jamaican and Caribbean student-athletes at Penn Relays.
About
Team Member
Biography details coming soon.
Team Member
Finance executive with 20+ years in nonprofit and public accounting, focused on mission-driven organizations.
About
Team Member
Biography details coming soon.
Team Member
Longstanding volunteer and service-focused leader who has supported Team Jamaica Bickle operations for decades.
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