Penn Relays heroes to reap rewards as TJB invests in Jamaica’s young athletes
Key Points(5)
- Team Jamaica Bickle (TJB) will reward a group of Jamaica’s leading performers at the 2026 Penn Relays with US$10,200 in performance awards, extending its longstanding support for student-athletes beyond the competition itself.
- The initiative, supported in part by the Burton–Hutchinson Family Fund, recognizes outstanding achievements at the prestigious Philadelphia meet while directing financial assistance toward the preparation, recovery and overall welfare of Jamaica’s young athletes.
- The awards will be presented on Friday, September 18, at 9:30 a.m.
- Foster College of Physical Education & Sport in Angels, St.
- Representatives of recipient schools, athletes, coaches, administrators and members of the sporting community are expected to attend.
Team Jamaica Bickle (TJB) will reward a group of Jamaica’s leading performers at the 2026 Penn Relays with US$10,200 in performance awards, extending its longstanding support for student-athletes beyond the competition itself.
The initiative, supported in part by the Burton–Hutchinson Family Fund, recognizes outstanding achievements at the prestigious Philadelphia meet while directing financial assistance toward the preparation, recovery and overall welfare of Jamaica’s young athletes.
The awards will be presented on Friday, September 18, at 9:30 a.m. at G.C. Foster College of Physical Education & Sport in Angels, St. Catherine.
Representatives of recipient schools, athletes, coaches, administrators and members of the sporting community are expected to attend.
Schools and athletes set for recognition
Hydel High School and Jamaica College will each receive US$1,500 after winning Championship of America relay events at the 2026 Penn Relays.
The awards program covers victories in the boys’ and girls’ 4x100m, 4x400m and 4x800m relays.
TJB has also broadened the initiative to include exceptional performances in field events and selected individual disciplines. Qualifying athletes will receive US$1,200.
The 2026 awardees are Hydel High School (Championship of America), Jamaica College (Championship of America), Zavien Bernard, Hydel High School (triple jump), Zoelle Jamel, Immaculate Conception High School (javelin), Marla-Kay Lampart, Clarendon College (discus), Michael-Andre Edwards, Jamaica College (triple jump), Joseph Salmon, Jamaica College (discus), and Gary Card, University of Technology, Jamaica (100m).
Nutrition at the heart of the initiative
While the awards celebrate competitive achievement, TJB has emphasized that the program’s broader purpose is to strengthen the conditions in which young athletes train and develop.
Funds awarded to participating schools are specifically designated for their Athletic Nutrition Programs, which support the dietary needs of athletes before, during and after competition.
TJB Chairman Irwine G. Clare Sr., said the organization viewed athletic recognition and athlete welfare as inseparable.
“Team Jamaica Bickle has always believed that recognizing excellence must go hand in hand with investing in the welfare and development of our athletes,” said Clare.
“These young men and women continue to represent Jamaica with distinction on one of the world’s great track and field stages. By directing these awards toward athletic nutrition, we are helping schools provide an important foundation for their athletes to train, recover and compete at the highest level.”
Clare said the initiative was intended to address the broader needs of student-athletes rather than focus exclusively on medals and championships.
“Medals and championships are important, but the development of the whole athlete is even more important. Proper nutrition, preparation, education and athlete welfare are all part of the equation. We are deeply grateful to the Burton–Hutchinson Family Fund for sharing that vision and helping us expand the impact of this initiative.”
Burton–Hutchinson Family Fund backs TJB’s vision
The Burton–Hutchinson Family Fund has provided support for TJB’s School Nutrition Program, reflecting a shared commitment to improving opportunities for Jamaica’s next generation of athletes.
Julie Hutchinson said the fund’s involvement was rooted in both confidence in the program and a personal connection to the role of athletic opportunity in educational and personal advancement.
“The Burton–Hutchinson Family Fund is proud to support Team Jamaica Bickle’s School Nutrition Program,” said Hutchinson.
“This investment reflects both our belief in the program’s continued success and a personal connection to its impact. Our family’s journey was shaped by similar opportunities that empowered our patriarch, Dr. Gladstone ‘Fluney’ Hutchinson, to pursue significant scholar-athletic achievement. We are committed to helping ensure the next generation has access to that same foundation.”
Three decades of support beyond the track
For more than 30 years, Team Jamaica Bickle has provided critical assistance to Jamaican and Caribbean student-athletes competing at the Penn Relays.
Its support has included meals, transportation, medical and chiropractic services, logistical assistance and other essential resources.
The performance awards represent an extension of that work, bringing the organization’s investment directly into the schools and environments where young athletes prepare for competition.
Through its emphasis on athletic nutrition, TJB aims to help institutions strengthen training, recovery, academic development and long-term competitive performance.
The organization has congratulated the athletes, coaches, administrators, schools and families whose dedication contributed to Jamaica’s success in Philadelphia.
It has also expressed special appreciation to the Burton–Hutchinson Family Fund for helping expand the reach of the awards program and its support for school athletic nutrition.
