CHARLOTTE, N.C. (April 1, 2026) — The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) has selected Lincoln University freshman Lourraine De Luna for a prestigious internship with Team Jamaica Bickle (TJB) during the 2026 Penn Relays.
De Luna, a member of the Lincoln University women’s soccer team and a health science major, was chosen from a competitive pool of 34 applicants. She distinguished herself through her strong writing ability and a clear passion for applying her academic interests in health science to hands on experiential opportunities.
During the Penn Relays, scheduled for April 22–26, 2026, De Luna will work directly with Team Jamaica Bickle, gaining valuable experience in event management and sports marketing. The internship reflects the CIAA’s continued commitment to enhancing the student athlete experience through meaningful opportunities that extend beyond competition and the classroom.
As she joins Team Jamaica Bickle on one of the world’s premier track and field stages, De Luna represents the next generation of student athletes developing professionally while contributing to Caribbean excellence on an international platform.
“This opportunity is exactly what the CIAA is committed to providing our student athletes meaningful experiences that prepare them for life beyond athletics,” said CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams Parker. “Lourraine stood out for her intentionality, her academic focus, and her desire to apply what she is learning in real world settings. We are proud to see her represent both Lincoln University and the CIAA through this experience.”
Team Jamaica Bickle Founder Irwine Clare, Sr. expressed enthusiasm in welcoming De Luna to the organization.
“Team Jamaica Bickle has always been about service, mentorship, and nation building, and we are delighted to provide Lourraine with the opportunity to learn, contribute, and grow as part of our team,” said Clare. “We look forward to her energy, commitment, and fresh perspective as we continue our mission of supporting our athletes, our ambassadors, and representing Jamaica and the Caribbean with pride.”
About Team Jamaica Bickle
Team Jamaica Bickle (TJB) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing support services, including meals, medical assistance, and hospitality for Caribbean athletes, particularly Jamaicans competing at the annual Penn Relays Carnival, held at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Founded in 1994, TJB is a New York based not for profit corporation and a designated 501(c)(3) organization. The organization was established by current CEO Irwine G. Clare, Sr., with the affiliated Philadelphia Organizing Committee co founded by Blane Stoddart, who now leads the Friends of Team Jamaica Bickle in Philadelphia.
Media Contact:
Anna M. Butzlaff
Associate Commissioner, Strategic Communications
Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA)
abutzlaff@theciaa.com
About the CIAA
Founded in 1912, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) is the first, and longest running, African American athletic conference in the U.S. and one of the most recognized conferences in Division II. The CIAA conducts 14 championships attended by more than 150,000 fans from around the country. The Basketball Tournament has been honored as a 2019 Champion of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism by Sports Destination Management, the leading publication with the largest circulation of sports event planners and tournament directors in the sports tourism market, for both 2018 and 2019.
Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, the CIAA is governed by the Presidents and Chancellors of its 12 member institutions: Bowie State University, Bluefield State University, Claflin University, Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, Johnson C. Smith University, Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, Livingstone College, Shaw University, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University, and Winston-Salem State University. For more information on the CIAA, visit theciaa.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.