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Ambassador lauds Team Jamaica Bickle

Published:Friday | May 6, 2011 | 12:00 AM
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Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Olivia Grange (right) is learning the latest Jamaican dance moves from a member of the William Knibb Memorial High School girls' track team, Santanna Haynes (second right) while at the 'Jamaica Village' hospitality tent mounted by Jamaica Team Bickle, during last weekend's Penn Relays in Pennsylvania. Looking on (from left) are Kimana Shaw, Baliss Crawford and Stacha Bright.
Jamaica's ambassador to the United States, Audrey Marks, is greeted on her arrival at the Penn Relays by actor and chairman of the event, Bill Cosby.
Ambassador to the United States, Audrey Marks (right), presents Penn Relays signature gold watches to members of the Edwin Allen High School team, for winning the 4x800-metre relay for high school girls, (from left) Carla Thompson, Mallacna Eubanks, Ristania Tracey and Denise Montoquick. - JIS Photos
Chairman of the Philadelphia Mayor's Commission on African and Caribbean Affairs, Stan Straughter, welcomes Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Olivia Grange as she arrives at the Franklin Field Stadium for the 2011 Penn Relays.
Jamaica's consul general to New York, Geneive Brown Metzger, receives a token of appreciation from Penn Relays Associate Director of Athletics William Roth. Brown Metzger was the Honorary Carnival Referee at the 2011 Penn Relays held from April 28 to 30 at the Franklin Field Stadium in Philadelphia.
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Washington (JIS):

Jamaica's Ambassador to the United States, Her Excellency Audrey Marks, has lauded team Jamaica Bickle for its contribution to the support of Jamaican athletes representing Jamaica at the annual Penn Relays in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Ambassador Marks said that over the last 17 years, an estimated US$1.1 million (J$95.2 M) has been spent to assist these athletes who lay it all on the line in pursuit of personal and national glory on the field.

Team Jamaica Bickle, she pointed out, has sought to make the Penn Relays experience filled with great memories for the athletes by partnering with Vincent HoSang and Caribbean Food Delights to provide Jamaican meals and refreshments in the 'Jamaica Village' home-away-from-home tent for the athletes.

The ambassador also noted that in addition to physical therapy and other medical care, transportation, as well as subsidised hotel and air fares, is negotiated by Team Jamaica Bickle for the athletes.

support

In addressing Team Jamaica Bickle volunteers at the Jamaica Village at the stadium on Friday, April 29, she said, "I am pleased to salute Team Jamaica Bickle which, through its efforts of giving back, has helped to touch the lives of our young athletes who participate in Penn Relays and have done their country proud. Their achievements would not have been possible without the support of our wonderful volunteers and members of the diaspora.

"This organisation is doing an absolutely marvellous and inspiring job. The evidence is served up by the performance of our young athletes in the areas of track and field, she added.

The ambassador also showered high praises on founder Erwin Claire. "Let me say how reassuring it is to observe the tenacity with which you have led these efforts. This stands as an exemplary contribution by one of our Jamaican diaspora organisations in giving back to the land of our birth. On behalf of the Government and people of Jamaica, I would like to express heartfelt thanks."

She also had high praise for Caribbean Delights CEO Vincent HoSang, who was presented with an award for contributing time and resources to support athletes at the Penn Relays for over 10 years.