Team Jamaica Bickle, which serves as the host committee for Jamaican athletes attending the Penn Relays, are struggling this year to meet some of the financial obligations, officials said this week.

TJB co-founder Blane Stoddard has conceded that the weak United States economy has made it difficult this year for the group to reach its annual goal of US $85,000.

Jamaica National Overseas Inc., a Florida-based subsidiary of the Jamaica National Building Society, recently signed on as a corporate supporter, but TJB has still come up short of their target.

400 athletes

TJB expect to host over 400 visiting high school athletes and coaches from Jamaica and the Caribbean at the 115th running of the Penn Relays, which takes place from tomorrow to Saturday at the University of Pennsylvania's Ben Franklin Field in the American city of Philadelphia.

TJB provides 1,200 hot meals a day, ground transportation, hotel assistance and hospitality services to the athletes and coaches.

The group is celebrating its 15th anniversary, after it was born out of necessity to provide Jamaican athletes and officials with safe and secure amenities during Penn Relays.

TJB has also earned a reputation for being the signature supporters of Jamaican athletics in the United States.

Held at the University of Pennsylvania from April 23rd-25th, Penn Relays is the oldest and largest annual track and field competition in the United States, attracting more than 15,000 participants from high schools, colleges and track and field clubs throughout North American and abroad.

The top draw this year is expected to be in the Olympic Development category with athletes looking for places on their national teams to the World Championships in Berlin in August this year.

Jamaica National Overseas Inc., a Florida-based subsidiary of the Jamaica National Building Society, recently signed on as a corporate supporter, but TJB has still come up short of their target.