PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Every year, people from all over come to the Penn Relays to support their favorite teams.
And even though there’s loud cheers heard throughout each event, when the Jamaican teams are running, the excitement is unmatched.
“When the stadium is full … the loudest noise comes from the Jamaicans,” says Sharon Wolfe, the Director of Alumni and Development at Mico University College in Kingston.
Many colleges and universities from across the Caribbean come to the Penn Relays with help from Team Jamaica Bickle. The organization, started in 1994, provides athletes with transportation, healthy meals and medical services. They’ve hosted runners like Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake, and this year they welcomed 433 athletes from 44 colleges and universities.
Jamaica College, a high school in Kingston, has won eight championships at the Penn Relays in the past – and they came back this year looking for another.
Jamaica College won the High School Boys’ 4x100 championship at 40.97 seconds. Five of the top six teams in this category were from Jamaica, and Jaiden Reid was part of the first place team.
“We just want to show our talent and show what we’re made of so that when we leave Jamaica College we have, you know, a different school to go to, like college in America, because we would all love to further our academic career and our talent in a D1 school,” Reid said.
The relays attract many college scouts that can offer students scholarships to attend American universities, and many athletes even go on to compete in the Olympics.
Many of these students come from challenging economic backgrounds and could be the first in their families to have a chance like this, said Vincent Heath, co-chair of the Philadelphia Organizing Committee for Team Jamaica Bickle.
“They’re running about their lives because this is an opportunity to springboard them into something, some kind of opportunity for future growth,” he said.
“Bickle” is the generic Jamaican word for food, and Team Jamaica Bickle always has authentic food for its athletes like jerk chicken, dumpling, and the Jamaican national dish, ackee and saltfish. It’s a way to give the athletes a taste of home, as well as the proper nutrients they need while training.
“This is a home away from home for them in Philadelphia, and we say Philadelphia is the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection, and that's what we give to them,” Heath said.
Most of the athletes have never been to the Penn Relays before, but there are some who’ve come for a second time. Nakiel Denoon, from Jamaica College, is a first-timer and has heard stories of what it’s like to compete at the relays.
“I’m looking forward to the energy of the crowd and to just put on our show because we have been dominant in the four by four basically all season, so we’re coming out to carry home the three plaques,” Denoon said.
Jamaica College competed in several field events, but the runners participated in the 4x1, 4x4 and 4x8. Reid, the first place winner in the 4x1, said Jamaica College wanted to bring all of the trophies home.
“It means a lot because all of us are passionate about our sport and passionate about doing our best for our school,” said Reid.
Ultimately, everyone wants to make their people at home proud. Malique Smith-Band from Jamaica College is representing his school, but also his hometown, Mandeville, which is about 60 miles outside of Kingston.
“Where I'm from, like, I don't think anyone has ever done what I have done while being here, and I think they respect that and they just look for more,” he said. “They just want me to win.”
You can hear more about Team Jamaica Bickle and what the trip to the Penn Relays is like for Jamaican athletes on The Jawncast. Listen in the player below, the Audacy app, or any podcast player.