Indianapolis, Indiana —Olympian Jackie Joyner-Kersee joined forces with the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), a sports medicine and exercise science organization, with a shared vision to transform the health of families and communities. The announcement was made at the ACSM Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida.
“It is critical that we continue to expand our efforts to engage families in understanding the importance of an active lifestyle and good nutrition,” Joyner-Kersee said. “By partnering with ACSM, we can accelerate our reach by taking this message to underserved communities nationwide.”
Considered one of the greatest athletes of all time, Joyner-Kersee is one of the most decorated Olympians in history. Since her retirement, she has been a passionate advocate for healthy living in her hometown of East St. Louis. Working with public schools, community partners and corporate sponsors, Joyner-Kersee’s influence and hands-on work have made a positive difference in her hometown.
“The impact Jackie is having in her community has been exemplary,” ACSM President William Dexter, M.D., said. “We look forward to helping her expand this program across the country by providing our organizational resources and evidenced-based research that will help fuel her efforts. At the end of the day, our goal is the same: raise the quality of life for underserved families through nutrition and physical fitness.”
The new partners used the ACSM Annual Meeting as the official kick-off for their working relationship.
“We are off to a great start as we look to the future,” Joyner-Kersee said. “I am grateful to ACSM for coming alongside us as we pursue a long-term solution for healthy families.”