NEW YORK, USA — Two of Jamaica’s most prolific Olympians, Grace Jackson and Bertland Cameron were both presented with proclamations from the office of Yvette D Clarke of the 11th Congressional District, New York.

The proclamations were presented at the Team Jamaica Bickle (TJB) Annual Reception and Awards Ceremony last Thursday in New York, which was hosted by fellow Olympian and master of ceremonies for the evening, Devon Harris, who captained Jamaica’s 1998 Winter Olympic bobsled team.

It was an evening filled with the highest accolades and recognition from all levels of representation on the political landscape here in New York. The office of Leroy Comrie, Councilman, 45th District Queens, presented the honorees with citations and official letters for their exemplary service.

Both awards were presented by Katherina Thompson, community liaison officer, while Monique D Waterman, director community affairs, office of Council Member Jumaane Williams, presented citations to both honorees. Also, Irie Jam Media and TJB also received awards.

“Both Bertland and myself are extremely grateful to be recognised by an entity (TJB), who like ourselves are working hard to make a difference in sports,” said Jackson.

Jamaica’s minister with responsibility for sports, Natalie Neita-Headley, delivered a specially-recorded message to the honorees on behalf of the Government and people of Jamaica, in which she spoke of her “delight in joining Team Jamaica Bickle and the diaspora in celebrating Jamaica’s best assets, her people”.

Also in attendance were Jamaica’s deputy consul general to New York, Sharon Burrell Green, and newly appointed community relations officer, Christopher Castriota and the Jamaica Tourist Board New York tri-state region’s Kenton Senior, Ruth West, Marcia Sinclair and Anthony King.

Vincent HoSang, a mainstay of TJB through his Caribbean Food Delights brand, was also on hand, along with daughter Sabrina.

Other sponsors Western Union, LIME, UJAA and Tower Isle Patties all brought messages of support.

Meanwhile, head of TJB Irwin Clare said he was “overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and we thank the community wholeheartedly”.

Team Jamaica Bickle, a not-for-profitorganisationbased in New York, has since 1994 proving meals and other critical support to Jamaica’s athletics teams to the annnual Penn Relays.