History will be created this weekend in Philadelphia as the iconic sounds of Reggae and Dancehall music make their debut at the Franklin Field stadium, University of Pennsylvania. In a groundbreaking move, this marks the first time in the 128-year history of the Penn Relay Carnival that the vibrant rhythms of Jamaican music will fill the air during the prestigious event.
Leading the charge is reggae sensation Chris Martin, who serves as an ambassador for Team Jamaica Bickle (TJB). Martin will take the stage at the ‘TJB30 Pop Up Vibes’ event at 6 pm, immediately following the final relay of the Championships of America High School boys 4×400 meters. This relay, which saw Kingston College clinch victory in 2023 with a blazing time of three minutes and 9.52 seconds, sets the stage for Martin’s performance.
The Penn Relay Carnival, renowned as the oldest and largest track and field competition in the United States, has always been a showcase for Jamaican high school teams, drawing immense support from the diaspora. The collaboration between the University of Pennsylvania, the hosts of the Penn Relays, Team Jamaica Bickle, and other stakeholders has paved the way for reggae to take centre stage inside the stadium.
Scott Ward, Executive Associate AD and Chief Operations Officer at the University of Pennsylvania, expressed his excitement, stating, “It is just amazing that all of this is coming together at the same time.” Irwine Clare, Sr., CEO of TJB, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the moment’s significance as a tribute to 60 years of school participation and 30 years of TJB’s involvement at the Penn Relays. Clare also acknowledged the invaluable support of Jamaica’s Consul General in New York, Mrs. Alsion Wilson, in making the ‘TJB30 Pop Up Vibes’ a reality.
For the past three decades, Team Jamaica Bickle has exemplified the power of community engagement, welcoming athletes, coaches, and volunteers from Jamaica and beyond. This year’s event promises to continue the tradition, with participants hailing from Trinidad and Tobago, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Bahamas, Barbados, US Virgin Islands, Guyana, and a growing contingent of high school alumni athletes now competing for various US colleges.
