It’s all systems go for Team Jamaica Bickle
Philadelphia, USA (CMM) — From the administrative team to the drivers, to the tent crew, it’s all systems go for Team Jamaica Bickle (TJB).
Months of planning and numerous events have finally culminated in the three days for which they were intended. The Penn Relays will kick off today at Franklin Field, University of Pennsylvania, and the team is ready to fulfil its mandate of hosting athletes from across the Caribbean. Team Jamaica; Team Trinidad and Tobago; Team St Vincent & The Grenadines, and Team Guyana (for the first-time at Penns), will all be happy beneficiaries of the organisation’s hospitality programme.
The athletes will receive hot meals, transportation, chaperone and logistic services at the team hotel and chiropractic care through TJB’s partnership with Omega Health and Fitness led by Dr Thien Dang Tan and team from Canada.
This year TJB has also partnered with Philadelphia International Medicine (PIM) to provide medical and chiropractic care. A team of orthopedic surgeons will be on call to assist the athletes if needed.
At the heart of the operations is a crew of approximately 40 volunteers, some of whom have already started logging hours as the athletes begin to flow in. This includes ensuring that meals are provided through to the official start, today.
Co-ordinating things on the ground in Philadelphia is the Philadelphia chapter of TJB, headed by co-chairs, Michele Bartley and Brian Gordon. “It can be tiring as most of us also work full-time,” said Bartley. “At the same time we are filled with excitement as these young athletes from our home country strive to do their best for school and country.”
The huge, commercial-grade kitchen from which three hot meals are churned out every day is installed and operated by Caribbean Food Delights, founding partners with TJB. The dynamic father-daughter duo of Vincent and Sabrina HoSang lead on this team. This year the team reached out to the schools to seek input in planning the menu. “The Penn Relays is a family tradition for me. It’s not just for the nutrition and feeding initiative involvement, but the glow and excitement it brings, as the athletes showcase their talents and abilities and doing their best in honour of their high schools and country,” said Sabrina HoSang.
“We approach each year like it’s the first with apprehension and excitement,” said head honcho, Irwine Clare, Snr. “We thank our sponsors, Caribbean Foods Delight, Grace, Tower Isles Patties, Union of Alumni Association, Philadelphia International Medicine, Drummond & Squillace, Young Caribbean Network,
Irie Jam Radio and Omega Health & Fitness for their continued support.”
Teams started arriving at the team hotel on Monday for the start of competition today.