The Penn Relays Carnival experience and the atmosphere at the Team Jamaica Bickle (TJB)Tent will get just a little bit more Caribbean this year, as teams from Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados, and St Vincent & The Grenadines join the Jamaican contingent for Penn 2011.
The Trinidad & Tobago Contingent, numbering about 60, is represented by teams from Trinity College, Fatima College, St. Josephs College, St. Francois Girls College and Queens Royal College. For the Queens College contingent, this will be their fifth year
According to Wayne Marcano, point person of the T&T contingent, the relationship with Team Jamaica Bickle has been excellent. “They have been very helpful to us and we appreciate what they are doing for us. It makes life much easier in settling in for the games by taking off a lot of the pressure that would have preoccupied our time and energy. Much thanks to Team Jamaica Bickle.”
On his expectations for the team, “we are just going out there to do our best. We believe we have a good chance to bring home the gold this year in the Championship of America. Just wait and see what happens.”
Sharon Andrews Peters from St. Francois Girls College said the following, “Team Jamaica Bickle treats us like family. We feel very comfortable amongst the team and the bonding experience was enriching for the girls. A TJB arrangement towards accommodation is a blessing to us all. This year our team is stronger, more experience and gearing to medal in the finals.”
Our Lady of Fatima College is an all male high school from Trinidad and Tobago, and proudly boasts Alum, Ato Boldon. Nigel Cooper, team coordinator said, “thanks for keeping the Caribbean flag flying high.”
For the Vincentian Delegation this year is a major milestone as for the first time in the 117 year history of the relays that country will participate. A thirteen member delegation will represent St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
In a letter form the Honorable Ambassador La Cecila A. Prince, she thanked the St. Vincent & The Grenadines Organization of Pennsylvania (SVGOP) and Team Jamaica Bickle for making that dream a reality.
“We are certainly proud that Vincentian athletes will be showcased at this event, and we invite you to come out and fly your Vincentian flag in support of these young athletes.”
Some 17 years ago Team Jamaica Bickle began providing a plethora of services to the athletes. Supported by a strong corps of volunteers (in conjunction with the coaches and various alumni bodies), TJB has worked tirelessly to ensure that the athletes are cared for while at Penn representing school and country. The group provides meals, physical therapy and chiropractic care, and other amenities and also negotiates favorable rates for travel, and hotel accommodations.
As always TJB has the unwavering support of founding partner, Caribbean Food Delights. The organization is also being sponsored by LIME, Grace Foods, Grace Kennedy Remittance Services thru its Bill Payment/Cross Border Payments, Western Union, UJAA, Tower Isle, Air J/CAL and The Lomax Foundation.
TJB also receives support from Dennis Shipping, Trans Continental Shipping, Jamaica Air Express Couriers and Yardman Style Clothing.
