THE PENN RELAY CARNIVAL PUTS REGGAE ON CENTER STAGE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 128 YEARS

History will be created in the ‘City of Brotherly Love’ and ‘Sisterly Affection’ in Philadelphia on Saturday, April 27 when the sounds of reggae and dancehall music permeate the Franklin Field stadium, University of Penn for the first time in the 128 year history of the Penn Relay Carnival.

Reggae singer Chris Martin, a Team Jamaica Bickle (TJB) Ambassador will perform at the ‘TJB30 Pop Up Vibes’ at 6pm, immediately following the running of the last relaythe Championships of America High School boys 4x400 metres final which was won in 2023 by Kingston College (KC) in three minutes 09.52 seconds.

The annual Penn Relay Carnival, the oldest and largest track and field competition in the United States, has long been a prominent exhibition for Jamaican high-school teams that thrives against a rich backdrop of supporters from all across the diaspora. The opportunity for reggae to be featured prominently inside the stadium was realized through a collaborative effort with the University of Pennsylvaniathe hosts of the Penn Relays - Team Jamaica Bickle and its stakeholders.

“Through the relentless effort of our CG in New York, she brought Reggae Sumfest on board to make this historic endeavor happen. They are not just a supporter but a major sponsor of the Pop Up event,” he added.

“We are elated with this achievement as it represents our continuity in raising the bar for Brand Jamaica and the Caribbean. This is also a fitting tribute to 60 years of school participation and 30 years of TJB at the Penn Relays,” said Irwine Clare, Sr, CEO of TJB.

“It is just amazing that all of this is coming together at the same time,” added Scott Ward, Executive Associate AD, Chief Operations Officer, University of Pennsylvania.

Clare singled out the Jamaica’s Consul General (CG) in New York, Mrs Alsion Wilson for her help in making the ‘TJB30 Pop Up Vibes’ a reality.

Meanwhile, Consul General Wilson said, “The timing couldn’t be more perfect, as this year we celebrate the global success of ‘One Love,’ the movie,’ which has shone a spotlight on Jamaica’s vibrant culture and spirit. Reggae music, along with our outstanding athletes, stand as some of our finest ambassadors, showcasing the strength and appeal of Brand Jamaica on the world stage. This synergy at such a prestigious event not only entertains but also deepens the appreciation of our rich cultural heritage. It’s a proud moment for all of us” she shared.

Prior to Martin’s performance, New York’s DJ Roy of Road International, will ‘nice up di place’ with a selection of reggae, dancehall, ska, rocksteady and soca hits, dating back to the later 1960s.

For the past 30 years, Team Jamaica Bickle, an organization driven by a solid core of volunteers has been a shining example of what the spirit of engagement can yield. The organization will once again welcome high school, college and Olympic-level athletes, coaches and volunteers from Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Bahamas, Barbados, US Virgin Islands, and Guyana and a growing list of high school alumni athletes, who now compete for various US colleges.

“We say thanks and appreciation to support from, Scott Ward, Executive Vice President of the University of Penn, Reggae Sumfest, VP Records, Consulate General Alsion Wilson, Jamaican Dave, and Hypa Sounds,” Clare added.

GRAMPS MORGAN, LUCIANO, KUMAR and THIRD WORLD CONFIRMED FOR ISSA TRUST FOUNDATION’S “FOR THE CHILDREN” GALA AT CIPRIANI 42nd STREET, MAY 11

The inaugural Issa Trust Foundation “For The Children” New York Charity Gala, held at Sony Hall in November of 2022, was such a sold-out success that for the second staging on May 11th of this year, the organizers chose a much bigger venue - the beautiful and very upscale Cipriani 42nd Street in Manhattan.

“We are looking forward to our second ‘For The Children’ Gala at Cipriani 42nd Street on Saturday, May 11, with our goodwill reggae Ambassadors

Third World and special guests Gramps

Morgan, Luciano and Kumar,” Paul Issa, Chairman of the Issa Trust Foundation, stated. “The funds raised will go to complete the construction of the Mary Issa Pediatric and Adolescent Health Centre in St Ann, Jamaica,” he said.

“It’s going to be a fantastic evening –starting with cocktails at 6:30pm, a Cipriani-standard served gourmet dinner, silent auction, dancing, and a spectacular show with these all-time reggae greats.”

The Issa Trust Foundation has begun construction of The Mary Issa Pediatric and Adolescent Health Centre at Richmond, St Ann, Jamaica, which will provide general physical and mental health support for the children and teens in Jamaica’s North Coast area. Throughout the year, with visiting specialists, the Centre will offer expertise in pediatric cardiology, nephrology, gastroenterology, and oncology. Other services will also be offered, such as vision screening along with free glasses if needed.

“Healthy children are the foundation of a thriving society. Investing in their health today ensures a brighter, more prosperous future,” shared Diane Pollard, President & CEO of the Issa Trust Foundation, a US-registered 501(c)3 nonprofit.

Patron of the Issa Trust Foundation, Lady Allen, wife of the Governor-General of Jamaica Sir Patrick Allen, will be in attendance, as well as other very special guests from Jamaica.

“Our facility will be the first health center to specifically cater to children and teenagers, offering pediatric health care and adolescent services to the youth of the Ocho Rios general area, with a holistic approach that considers not only the physical but the mental and social support for our young people,” Pollard added.

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