Team Jamaica Bickle Pays Tribute To The Late Neville ‘Teddy’ McCook

Team Jamaica Bickle joins the entire athletic community in mourning the passing of Teddy McCook. Like everyone else, we laud his efforts in building a solid foundation for the development of track and field in Jamaica and the region. His was a life of unmatched service, indelible dedication and passion.

His twelve-year tenure as president of the Jamaica Amateur Athletics Association (JAAA) will stand the test of time. His legacy lies in the achievements of all our athletes who shine so brightly on the world stage; in the high regard in which the world holds our beautiful island as a force to be reckoned with and within all of our exploits, propelled by the steadfast and tireless work of this remarkable son of Jamaica.

We, at Team Jamaica Bickle are especially honored to have known and worked with Mr. McCook. His intuitiveness, visionary leadership, infectious energy, spirit and irrepressible ‘can-do attitude’ presented a model for all to follow.

He constantly encouraged us on the path of development for the greater good of the athletes; the formation of Team Jamaica Bickle and the participation of the Team Jamaica Bickle/Awesome Power Track Club Team at the Gibson Relays to encourage broader competition for Jamaica’s athletes.

“Teddy McCook was a giant among men,” said Irwine Clare, TJB’s CEO and Founder. “He may not have been the tallest man in the room but what he stood for and achieved, loomed large. He was encouraged by the work of our organization and remained a great supporter over the years. Teddy McCook stood with us at the Team Jamaica Bickle Pavilion at the University of Pennsylvania in 1999, to witness the raising of the Jamaican Flag at Franklin Field, a historic achievement for our nation. This was the first time a foreign flag was raised at the Penn Relays. It remains one of our proudest moments. Jamaica has lost a great servant.”

Teddy McCook at the time of his passing was president of the North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletics Association (NACAC) and an International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Council Member.