By Anthony Turner
(Source: CNW)
For more than three decades, Irwine Clare Snr., founder and CEO of Team Jamaica Bickle (TJB) has dedicated his life to the empowerment of young athletes from Jamaica and across the Caribbean. That commitment will be recognized on Monday, August 18, 2025, when NY Knicks basketball superstar Jalen Brunson’s Second Round Foundation presents Clare with its prestigious Visionary Award at the 3rd Annual Jalen Brunson Charity Golf Classic at the Westchester Country Club in Rye, New York.
The award acknowledges Clare’s extraordinary impact on youth athletics, especially his pioneering work through TJB, the nonprofit organization he founded in 1994 to support Caribbean athletes—most notably those competing at the Penn Relays in Philadelphia.
“Your dedication to nurturing talent, fostering discipline, and inspiring excellence among athletes has had a profound impact not only on the individuals you have mentored but also on the broader sporting community,” said Sandra Brunson, mother of New York Knicks NBA All-Star basketball player Jalen Brunson — co-founder and CFO of the Second Round Foundation.
“Your vision and unwavering efforts have paved the way for countless athletes to achieve their dreams and bring pride to the Caribbean region,” she said.
Clare expressed deep gratitude for the honor, telling Caribbean National Weekly, “It’s truly an honor to be recognized by Jalen Brunson’s Second Round Foundation. I deeply admire the organization’s commitment to making a positive impact, and being acknowledged for my efforts alongside such inspiring work is a meaningful validation. It motivates me even more to continue contributing to causes that matter—especially our athletes’ welfare.”
Team Jamaica Bickle provides meals, medical support, physical therapy, ground transportation, and mentorship services to more than 650 athletes and coaches from across Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Guyana, Grenada, and other Caribbean nations each year.
Over the years, TJB’s support has assisted track and field legends such as Usain Bolt, Veronica Campbell-Brown, Elva Goulbourne, Julien Alfred, Johan Blake, the Clayton sisters, and many more.
One standout example of TJB’s impact is the story of Daniel Cope, a former athlete from Petersfield High School in Westmoreland, Jamaica. After volunteering with TJB, Cope earned a partial scholarship to Cloud Community College. Through a structured support system helped by TJB, he broke school records, improved his academics, and eventually earned a full scholarship to Clemson University, where he graduated as an All-American, ranked 11th among collegiate throwers in the U.S.
“Daniel’s story exemplifies the kind of transformation we strive to make possible,” Clare said. “It’s never just about medals—it’s about life opportunities.”
As Clare prepares for the next chapter, he’s focusing on ensuring the organization’s legacy.
“Transition to new leadership is high on our agenda,” he noted. “We are currently working on establishing a Legacy Project at GC Foster College of Sports in Jamaica, in partnership with the Second Round Foundation and other stakeholders.”
With the Visionary Award, Clare joins a distinguished class of changemakers celebrated for leaving indelible marks in their communities. On August 18, sports icons, business leaders, and supporters will gather not just to honor his accomplishments — but to affirm the value of investing in youth, in vision, and in the enduring power of purpose.
