Ambassador Anderson Hails Team Jamaica Bickle’s 32-Year Legacy at 130th Penn Relays

Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States praises organisation’s transformative impact on more than 18,000 athletes: sprint sensation Shanoya Douglas and Penn Relays legends honoured at annual reception.

Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, Major General (Ret’d) Antony Anderson, delivers remarks at Team Jamaica Bickle’s annual Chairman’s Reception at Reserve Wine and Bar Lounge in downtown Philadelphia on Friday, April 24, 2026. Looking on (from left) are Team Jamaica Bickle President and CEO Irwin Clare Sr and Vice Chair of the organising committee Tashel Jenkins. (Photo by Derrick Scott)Washington DC.—April 28, 2026. Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, Major General (Ret’d) Antony Anderson, has hailed Team Jamaica Bickle (TJB) as a vital force behind the island’s sustained dominance in track and field, describing the organisation as indispensable to Jamaica’s athletic development pipeline.

Addressing athletes, supporters, and volunteers at Team Jamaica Bickle’s annual Chairman’s reception during the 130th Penn Relays, at the Reserve, Wine and Bar Lounge on Friday april24th 2026 downtown Philadelphia, Ambassador Anderson praised the organization’s 32 consecutive years of service to Jamaican athletes competing at the prestigious Philadelphia meet.

“For 32 years in a row, you have been doing a fantastic and amazing job,” Ambassador Anderson said, commending TJB founder Irwine Clare Sr. and the network of dedicated volunteers whose collective efforts have benefited more than 18,000 athletes to the tune of US$5. Million over the programme’s history.

The Ambassador underscored the critical role TJB plays in levelling the playing field for talented student-athletes from under-resourced schools, noting that without the organisation’s intervention, many of Jamaica’s most promising young competitors would never reach the Penn Relays stage.

“Quite often some of our jewels are coming from schools that can’t afford it,” he said. “When you step into that breach and allow them to come here and we see them win, that is your reward.”

Ambassador Anderson challenged former beneficiaries of the programme to give back to the next generation, stressing that even modest financial contributions could produce future Olympic champions.

“That $100 can be the difference between an athlete not getting an opportunity and another Olympic gold medal for Jamaica,” he said.

Douglas Honoured; Wall of Fame Inductees Celebrated

The reception also served as an occasion to recognise outstanding achievement within Jamaica’s athletic community. Sprint sensation Shanoya Douglas of Holland High School was honoured by Team Jamaica Bickle and the City of Philadelphia, receiving a citation from the Philadelphia Mayor’s Commission on African and Caribbean Immigrant Affairs in recognition of her exceptional performances, including setting a new Jamaican Under-20 record in the 200 metres.

Organisers noted that Douglas’s recognition echoes the early career trajectory of Usain Bolt, who received similar honours from Team Jamaica Bickle decades ago.

The evening also celebrated the induction of two celebrated athletic legacies into the Penn Relays Wall of Fame. Former Dinthill Technical long jumper Elva Goulbourne, Jamaica’s national record holder in both outdoor and indoor long jump, was inducted in recognition of her landmark 6.40-metre jump at Penn Relays in 1999 , surpassing Carol Lewis’s previous record of 6.33 metres.

The Jamaica College 4x800 metre relay team of 1999 , comprising Jeffery Wallace, Dwayne Medley, Kerrick Ferril, and Mashel Jackson , was also inducted into the Penn Relays Wall of Fame and honoured by the City of Philadelphia and Team Jamaica Bickle in recognition of their historic performance at the meet.

The reception further noted Jamaica’s strong competitive showing at this year’s Penn Relays, with 12 Jamaican schools fielding teams in the 4x100 metre event.

A Story Worth Telling

Ambassador Anderson affirmed that the story of Team Jamaica Bickle, founded in 1994 and sustained for more than three decades through volunteerism and community commitment, is one that Jamaica’s diplomatic mission will continue to amplify.

“It is a story of creating a forum for talented young athletes to compete, to sharpen each other and be propelled to greatness,” he said. “It is a critical component in Jamaica’s development.”

Since its founding, Team Jamaica Bickle has provided meals, medical support, transportation, and logistical assistance to Jamaican athletes and coaches competing at Penn Relays, cementing its place as a cornerstone institution in Jamaica’s track and field infrastructure.