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 organization as indispensable to Jamaica’s athletic development pipeline.
Addressing athletes, supporters and volunteers at Team Jamaica Bickle’s annual Chairman’s Reception during the Penn Relays, held at the Reserve Wine & Bar Lounge in downtown Philadelphia on Friday, April 24, 2026, Ambassador Anderson praised the organization’s 32 consecutive years of service to Jamaican athletes competing at the prestigious 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 a network of dedicated volunteers whose efforts have benefited more than 18,000 athletes, with support valued at approximately US$5 million over the program’s history.
The Ambassador underscored the critical role TJB plays in leveling the playing field for talented student-athletes from under-resourced schools, noting that without the organization’s support, many of Jamaica’s most promising competitors would not 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 also challenged former beneficiaries of the program to give back to the next generation, stressing that even modest financial contributions can make a significant difference.
“That $100 can be the difference between an athlete not getting an opportunity and another Olympic gold medal for Jamaica,” he said.
Douglas honored; Wall of Fame inductees celebrated
The reception also recognized outstanding achievements within Jamaica’s athletic community. Sprint standout Shanoya Douglas of Holland High School was honored by Team Jamaica Bickle and the City of Philadelphia, receiving a citation from the Philadelphia Mayor’s Commission on African and Caribbean Immigrant Affairs for her exceptional performances, including setting a new Jamaican Under-20 record in the 200 meters.
Organizers noted that Douglas’s recognition echoes the early trajectory of sprint legend Usain Bolt, who received similar honors from Team Jamaica Bickle during his early career.
The evening also marked the induction of two distinguished Jamaican athletic legacies into the Penn Relays Wall of Fame. Former Dinthill Technical long jumper Elva Goulbourne, Jamaica’s national record holder in both the outdoor and indoor long jump, was recognized for her landmark 6.40-meter leap at the 1999 Penn Relays, surpassing Carol Lewis’s previous record of 6.33 meters.
The Jamaica College 4x800m relay team—comprising Jeffery Wallace, Dwayne Medley, Kerrick Ferril and Mashel Jackson—was also inducted and honored by the City of Philadelphia and Team Jamaica Bickle in recognition of its historic performance.
The reception further highlighted Jamaica’s strong showing at this year’s Penn Relays, with 12 Jamaican schools fielding teams in the 4×100-meter event.
A story worth telling
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Ambassador Anderson said 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 the Penn Relays, cementing its role as a cornerstone of Jamaica’s track and field infrastructure.
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