The annual Penn Relays has such a strong Jamaican presence that some call it the “Jamaica Relays.” Jamaica’s presence started 52 years ago when the first Jamaican athletes were invited to participate in the event. Each year as more Jamaican athletes participated, the attendance of their fellow citizens increased. Now they dominate. The stadium is filled with the colors green, black and gold as Jamaicans wave their country’s flags and wear shirts to show their national pride. Many of Jamaica’s most famous athletes have run at the Penn Relays, including Usain Bolt, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Yohan Blake and Elaine Thompson. Many of the athletes are helped by the 22-year-old New York-based nonprofit, Team Jamaica Bickle, which looks after them and takes care of most of their needs once they arrive at the Penn Relays. The sound of reggae music fills the air, as does the aroma of Jerk Chicken and other Jamaican foods. Here are 12 Photos that prove why the Penn Relays is really the “Jamaica Relays.”

Photo by Team Jamaica Bickle

 

Photo by Kizzypashonn

 

Photo by lb1420

 

Photo by Mymarvelouslifee

 

Photo by Raul Guevara

 

Photo by Ocir Amour

 

Photo by aa_experiential2

 

Photo By aa_experiential

 

Photo By Glen Roy March

 

Photo By flawlessbeautyfabulous

 

Photo By Uncle Sledge

 

Photo By Leon Whyte

 

Photo by Teenvybeja

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