‘Bickle’ to honour Hemmings-McCatty in New York
DEON Hemmings-McCatty, Jamaica’s first female Olympic gold medallist, will be among the honorees at the annual Team Jamaica Bickle (TJB) Awards Reception and Fund-raiser on Tuesday, April 16, at Brooklyn Borough Hall, under the distinguished patronage of Marty Markowitz, Brooklyn Borough president.
Hemmings-McCatty created history at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta when she became the first female track and field athlete in Jamaica and the English-speaking Caribbean to win an individual Olympic gold when she won the 400m hurdles in a then Olympic and National Record 52.82 seconds.
Hemmings-McCatty remains active in the sport, serving as founding member and chairwoman of the Central Jamaica Junior Schools Classics. She is also an executive member of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) and is an Athletes Commission member of the global body, International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF).
“I am delighted to be honoured by Team Jamaica Bickle, a great organisation which does so much good for our athletes”, said Hemmings-McCatty.
Team Jamaica Bickle, now in its 19th year of operation, continues to be a pillar of support for Jamaican and Caribbean athletes who compete at the annual Penn Relays. Through its partnership with Vincent HoSang’s Caribbean Food Delights, and the HoSang Family Foundation, the organisation has served thousands of meals to athletes each year.
The organisation also provides ground transportation, medical and top-notch chiropractic care, and negotiates and books hotel accommodation for the entire contingent.
“We remain committed to ensuring our athletes enjoy a home-away-from-home atmosphere when they are at the Penn Relays,” said Irwine Clare Snr, CEO of the organisation.
He expressed the organisation’s pleasure in honouring Hemmings-McCatty, citing her historic achievements and the excellent example she has set for up-and-coming athletes.
TJB continues to be supported by sponsors such as the Lomax Foundation, Grace Foods, UJAA, Tower Isle Patties, The Door Restaurant and SuperWings.
