Team Jamaica Bickle rewards top athletes, officials at Penns

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania, USA:

Team Jamaica Bickle (TJB) recognised outstanding Jamaican athletes and coaches from the recently concluded 127th staging of the Penn Relays at the Franklin Field Stadium in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America, with Holmwood Technical's Cedricka Williams getting the TJB award for being the top individual girl performer.

Williams is the latest to be recognised by TJB, which for the past 29 years, played a significant role with Jamaican teams competing at the annual Penn Relays, ensuring that athletes and team officials are provided with meals and are provided reduced hotel rates during their stay at the three-day relay carnival.

Williams, the outstanding Holmwood standout, successfully defended the high school discus title with a new record of 57.23 metres to erase the 54.72, set by Shanice Love of Excelsior in 2016.

Founder and chairman of TJB, Irwine Clare, was pleased with this year's contribution.

"I am happy that our company was able to contribute once again to the Jamaicans' cause. I must thank the organisers of the meet for allowing us to use the Palestra as our base as TJB carnival village where the Jamaicans dined," he said.

The Palestra, next door to the Franklin Field track, is the home of the University of Pennsylvania's basketball teams.

"Thanks to the various stakeholders who helped in ensuring that the Jamaicans got ambassadorial treatment for the entire time they were at Penns, and kudos to our volunteers who worked tirelessly to ensure all went well, and also to our Consul General of Jamaica in New York, Alison Wilson," said Clare, who is anticipating their 30th anniversary next year.

Hydel won the top girls' team award after their first win in the 4x100 metres and copping their third win in a row in the 4x400 metres.

Hydel's 4x100 metres team of Alana Reid, Oneika McAnnuff, Shemonique Hazle and Aaliyah Baker got the top performance for their time of 44.16 seconds, the fourth fastest time ever. For their two wins, Hydel were rewarded with US$2,400.

Kobe Lawrence of Calabar walked away with the boys' top prize for individual performance after winning the shot put with a personal best of 20.93 using a heavier implement.

Jamaica College's quartet of Daniel Beckford, Hector Benjamin, Jaiden Reid and Malique Smith Band was named top boys' relay performers and picked up US$1,200.

Top male and female coaches were also recognised. Lawrence's coach, Julian Robinson, and Marlene Hawthorne won the male and female awards, respectively. Hawthorne is a former coach of St Jago High girls and has been team manager and travelling with them to the Penn Relays for over 30 years.