She was dubbed the “Greatest Female Athlete of the Twentieth Century.” She’s a four-time Olympian and three-time gold medal winner. She holds the world record in the heptathlon ... and she’s coming to town.
Former track star and advocate for children Jackie Joyner-Kersee will visit youth at The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Lee County Feb. 17 after speaking during the club’s 20th anniversary celebration at Greater Peace Baptist Church in Opelika. The 11:30 a.m. event will be at the church’s family life center.
“Kids are going to hear about this person who achieved all of this national and international acclaim, and made accomplishments against a lot of odds,” Boys & Girls Club President Wanda Lewis said. “She came to realize her goals and the kids can see that they, too, can make that happen.”
Lewis said campers will have the opportunity before Feb. 17 to soak up as much Joyner-Kersee knowledge as possible.
Joyner-Kersee, originally from East St. Louis, Mo., is deeply rooted in youth organizations, heading her own non-profit Jackie Joyner-Kersee Organization.
Lewis, who pulled a few strings to attract the star to Lee County, pointed out that Joyner-Kersee is a Boys & Girls Club alumna.
The celebration, sponsored by Outback Steakhouse and NFL star Marcus Washington, a 1996 Auburn High graduate, will begin the club’s annual campaign.
Lewis said she hoped the club would be able to raise $80,000 this year.
“We’re going to need to raise every penny,” she said. “Last year, we saw tremendous growth in the area, especially at our club in Auburn.”
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