Support for Team Jamaica Bickle

NEW YORK:

Sandra Brunson, mother of New York Knicks NBA All-Star basketball player Jalen Brunson - co-founders of the youth-focused Second Round Foundation - made an on-the-spot cash donation of US$15,000 (approx JA$2.3 million) to Team Jamaica Bickle (TJB), the Queens-based philanthropic organization that provides hospitality and support services to Jamaican/Caribbean athletes competing at the annual Penn Relays Carnival at Franklin Field Stadium, University of Pennsylvania.

The donation was made at TJB’s recent ‘Labour of Love Luncheon – Black Tie & Sneakers Gala’, that was held at the Cresthollow Country Club in Woodbury, Long Island.

Brunson, the keynote speaker for the event, roused the packed house, delivering a powerful tribute to her heritage and the values instilled in her by her Jamaican parents, Sankey and Judith Davis.

“Being the daughter of Jamaican parents is one of the greatest sources of pride in my life,” she shared, adding, “It’s a heritage rooted in strength, resilience, and an unshakable sense of identity… Being Jamaican is not just about where your family comes from; it’s a rhythm you carry in your soul,” she noted.

She emphasised the enduring influence of the Jamaican culture in her upbringing and shared that she has strived to pass down these same values to her children, including Jalen, whose career accomplishments include being selected as an NBA All-Star player in 2024 and 2025; named NBA Player of the Month twice and who has recorded 11 consecutive 20-point scoring games in the NBA playoffs, which ranks second in Knicks playoff history.

“As a parent, I try to give my children what my parents gave me. Not just encouragement, but belief, the kind that not only comes with cheering from the sidelines, but shows up in other ways, like sacrifices made, opportunities created and values passed down. That is what Team Jamaica Bickle embodies,” she said.

She praised TJB for their holistic support of young athletes, saying, “You don’t just support athletes, you nurture them, feed them, house them, protect them, and remind them they are not alone. It’s that kind of love, that kind of consistent behind-the scenes-labour that changes lives,” she explained.

“We believe in meeting young people where they are, not just on the court or track, but in the spaces in between. The meals, lodging, and medical support, these are the quiet powerful moments that allow talent to thrive ... We are proud to stand beside you (TJB) in this work,” she said.

HONOUREES

The ‘Labour of Love Luncheon’ honoured several individuals, including four-time Jamaican Olympian and president of the Jamaica Bobsleigh Federation, Dr. Nelson Christian Stokes; Sandra Brunson of the Second Round Foundation and Karlene Largie, a former president of the Union of Jamaican Alumni Associations (USA).

TJB’s founder and CEO Irwine Clare heaped praises on various diaspora organisations and individuals including Miss Pat, Chris and Randy Chin of VP Records; Michelle Stoddart, Sr. VP Community Development at Resorts World New York City; Caribbean Food Delights; Irie Jam Radio, and other sponsors who continue to invest in the success of our Caribbean athletes.

Clare also singled out recently deceased reggae singer Colvin “Cocoa Tea” Scott, who in 2008, was added to the line-up of entertainers for a special benefit concert at the Brooklyn Centre for the Performing Art, billed as “On the Road to Beijing Olympics. The event raised much needed funds that assisted Jamaican athletes who competed at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.