NEW YORK, April 14, 2012
(CMM) - Two of
Jamaica’s most prolific Olympians, Grace Jackson, OD and Bertland Cameron, OD,
were both presented with proclamations from the office of Yvette D. Clarke,
11th Congressional District, New York; and ranking member of the Homeland
Security Committee and member Small Business Committee, in the United Sates
Congress; in honor of their outstanding contributions to sports both on and off
the track.
The proclamations were presented at the Team Jamaica Bickle annual
Reception and Awards Ceremony, on Thursday, April 12, in New York, which was
hosted by fellow Olympian and Master of Ceremonies for the evening, Devon
Harris, who captained Jamaica’s 1998 Winter Olympic Bob Sled Team. Other
Olympians on hand to cheer them on were Alfred Daley, 400m specialist, who
shared the stage with Lennox Miller, Donald Quarrie and later, a younger
Bertland Cameron, Andria Lloyd, who represented Jamaica in the 1996 Olympics
4x100m relays and Danny McFarlane, silver medalist in the 4x400m, Olympic
games.
It was an evening filled with the highest accolades and recognition from
all levels of representation on the political landscape here in New York. The
office of Leroy Comrie, Councilman, 45th District Queens,
presented the honorees with citations and official letters for their exemplary
service. Both awards were presented by Ms. Katherina Thompson community Liaison
Officer. Ms. Monique D. Waterman, Director Community affairs, office of
Council Member Jumaane Williams, Brooklyn’s 45th District,
presented citations to both honorees, as well as to Irie Jam Media (community
service awardees) and to Team Jamaica Bickle for its work on behalf of the
athletes.
“Both Bertland and myself are extremely grateful to be recognized by an
entity (TJB) who like ourselves are working hard to make a difference in
sports,” said Grace ”to do something that you love and be honored by your peers
is an extraordinary feeling. Bert has expressed the wish that those who
benefit from TJB’s efforts should get a chance to experience (as we just did)
all the work that goes into making everything possible; kudos to the
hardworking team of volunteers of TJB.”
Jamaica’s Minister of Sports without portfolio, Natalie Neita-Headley
delivered a special recorded message to the honorees on behalf of the
Government and people of Jamaica, in which she spoke of her, “delight in
joining Team Jamaica Bickle and the Diaspora in celebrating Jamaica’s best
assets her people…against the backdrop of Jamaica’s 50th Anniversary
of Independence.”
It was a full house that bore witness to this momentous occasion, with
members of the community, stakeholders of the sports and entertainment
industry, the business community, and the media who came out in their hundreds
to show their appreciation for the honorees. Jamaica’s, Deputy Consul General
to New York, Ms. Sharon Burrell Green and Mr. Christopher Castriota, newly
appointed community relations officer, as well a full contingent from the
Jamaica Tourist Board New York tri-state region: Kenton Senior, Ruth West,
Marcia Sinclair and Anthony King were out in full force. Olympians,
Mr. Vincent HoSang and daughter Sabrina HoSang (TJB’s partner and
life-time sponsor), of Caribbean Food Delights, spoke of their steadfast
support for the program. Sponsors Western Union, LIME, UJAA and Tower Isle
Patties all brought messages of support.
“We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and we thank the community
whole-heartedly. It was indeed a special evening as we celebrate the nation’s
50thAnniversary of Independence” says Irwine Clare,
About Team Jamaica Bickle
Team Jamaica Bickle, Inc. is a 501(c)(3 ) not-for-profitorganization,
based in New York, formed in 1994 under the leadership of Irwine G. Clare Sr.,
to provide much needed support for Jamaican athletes who compete at the annual
Penn Relays Carnival, held at the University of Pennsylvania. Team Jamaica
Bickle, Inc.,has supported athletes and athletic programsfor the past 17 years.
Currently, TJB services extend to a delegation of approximately 750 Athletes, coaches
and volunteers from Jamaica; other Caribbean countries (which includes Trinidad
and Tobago and St. Vincent & The Grenadines), as well as from the USA..
In 1999, Team Jamaica Bickle became the first Jamaican organization to
be a participating sponsor at the Penn Relays, thus allowing us to partner with
our corporate friends. As a result, the Jamaican flag became the first foreign
nation’s flag to be flown at the
Penn Relays, a distinction unmatched. Over the years, TJB has received several
proclamations and awards from numerous local and national entities.
Photos by Donovan Gopie
Media Contact
Andrea Daley
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