Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation

Our Mission: To instill youth in the Greater East St. Louis area with the dream, drive, and determination necessary to succeed in academics, athletics & leadership. The Founder: Jackie Joyner-Kersee is considered one of the greatest athletes of all time. Sports Illustrated for Women voted Jackie Female Athlete of the 20th Century and ESPN named her one of the 50 Greatest Athletes. She received these honors by becoming the first woman to win back-to-back gold medals in the seven disciplined events, heptathlon; the first woman to score 7,000 points in the heptathlon; and the first American woman to win an Olympic gold medal in the long jump, all on her way to winning 6 Olympic Medals in four consecutive Olympic Games. Named after first lady, Jacqueline Kennedy by her grandmother in March of 1962; she must have known that her granddaughter would surely be the first lady in some phase of her life. From her college days at UCLA to the track ovals across the World, Jackie has traveled many countries with astonishing fans, winning medals, and receiving accolades including the Jesse Owens Award and the Prestigious Sullivan Award. Her talents on the track were only overshadowed by her winning personality, infectious smile, and ability to capture hearts as one of the most engaging and approachable personalities in track & field. Off the track, Jackie always determined to give back continues to keep her personal promise to be a contributing citizen of the metropolitan St. Louis community. Her world-class philanthropic deeds are praised worldwide. She has amazed everyone and disappointed no one, as she works to enhance the lives of children worldwide; champions the cause of asthma awareness, and motivates corporate conference/meeting attendees nationwide with her proven philosophy for being successful while balancing all of life's obstacles.