Photo by: Brian Manley
Olympian Jackie Joyner-Kersee Attends Drexel Field Day at Vidas
10/31/2023 10:38:00 AM | Drexel Athletics
PHILADELPHIA - More than 200 students from Alain Locke Elementary School joined Drexel coaches, student-athletes and legendary Olympian and philanthropist Jackie Joyner-Kersee at Drexel Athletics' third annual Vidas Field Day on Monday. Joyner-Kersee shared some words of inspiration with the students before they set off for a day of athletics activities led by Drexel's student-athletes. Vidas Field Day is held in partnership with the West Philadelphia Promise Neighborhood to encourage local students to stay active and to build their confidence through participation in athletic activities. At the end of the day each student received bags with school supplies and a copy of Joyner-Kersee's new book Running for the Gold: Connecting Kids to Dreams.
The book and event are part of Joyner-Kersee's mission to make it possible for all people to gain access to education, sports, culture, and lifelong learning. In support of Joyner-Kersee's efforts, Drexel will donate 2,500 of her books to students in schools throughout West Philadelphia.
Drexel Athletic Director Maisha Kelly told the Philadelphia Inquirer that having Joyner-Kersee at the event on campus was a unique opportunity. "It is incredible that she continues to give her time and presence, because showing up matters. As someone who also is in a position of leadership and a person of color, seeing that matters."
Peaches Brown, Drexel Assistant Athletic Director who organized Drexel's athletic departments involvement told the Inquirer how the school's student-athletes made a difference to the local children. "Our athletes don't just come here to play sports and graduate," said Brown. "The kids in the local neighborhood may want to be them someday, so the ability to host an event where we're giving back to the community and exposing them to university athletics is what it's all about."
The book and event are part of Joyner-Kersee's mission to make it possible for all people to gain access to education, sports, culture, and lifelong learning. In support of Joyner-Kersee's efforts, Drexel will donate 2,500 of her books to students in schools throughout West Philadelphia.
Drexel Athletic Director Maisha Kelly told the Philadelphia Inquirer that having Joyner-Kersee at the event on campus was a unique opportunity. "It is incredible that she continues to give her time and presence, because showing up matters. As someone who also is in a position of leadership and a person of color, seeing that matters."
Peaches Brown, Drexel Assistant Athletic Director who organized Drexel's athletic departments involvement told the Inquirer how the school's student-athletes made a difference to the local children. "Our athletes don't just come here to play sports and graduate," said Brown. "The kids in the local neighborhood may want to be them someday, so the ability to host an event where we're giving back to the community and exposing them to university athletics is what it's all about."
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