The TJB Village is the “HUB‘’ for all TJB activities at the Penn Relays Carnival. It is “Nerve-Center; a homeaway-from-home.” The TJB Village is the ‘drop–off and departure point,’ for teams daily; where athletes, coaches and volunteers gather each morning for meals and where sponsors, media, friends and well-wishers alike, converge to start the day. More strategically, TJB plays an important role of helping to recreate a familiar atmosphere to the Jamaican stadium — where supporters of the athlete’s school gather and organize to represent athletes before the broader audience of sports fans.
TJB Team is proud to be the provider of meals for the athletes. It forms the center-piece of all TJB’s activities at Penn. Athletes and coaches know that maintaining proper nutrition is vital to optimal performance during the meet. For many of the participants, having to make adjustments to the unfamiliar environments in a top international meet would be even more challenging than any athlete or coach would choose. 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”.
The TJB Village is also the social center, the medical outpost and physical therapy center and one of the focal points of contact with the audience for (TJB) corporate sponsors. 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 sports 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 “Awards/End of Relays Send-off,” where officials, sponsors, visiting government officials, thousands of Jamaicans and well-wishers gather to say ‘thank you’ to the athletes and to recognize and applaud the entire cadre of staff and volunteers for yet another year of stellar work.
