ST. LOUISANS INVITED TO TAKE PART IN ANNUAL TRADITION OF RUNNING THE 1904 OLYMPIC STADIUM TRACK WITH JJK AND AREA OLYMPIANS

ST. LOUIS – May 23, 2022 – The Olympic Day tradition in St. Louis continues.  On *Wednesday, June 22, participants of all ages are invited to join six-time Olympic Medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee in running or walking the track at Francis Olympic Field on the campus of Washington University in St. Louis, site of the 1904 Olympic Games.  The Olympic Day celebration is from 10 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. and is organized by the St. Louis Sports Commission.

Olympic Day festivities include a motivational discussion and Q&A session with Joyner-Kersee.  Following that, JJK will lead all attendees around the track at Francis Olympic Field – the oldest modern-day Olympic stadium still in active use.

The event is free to attend, and open to the public, but pre-registration is required.  All participants must register by June 21 by visiting stlsports.org/OlympicDay.  All participants age 16 and under will receive an Olympic Day t-shirt.

Created by the International Olympic Committee, Olympic Day commemorates the birth of the modern Olympic Games on June 23, 1894.  Olympic Day aims to promote fitness, well-being, culture, and education, while also observing the Olympic values of excellence, friendship, respect, and sportsmanship.  The celebration is part of the Sports Commission’s ongoing efforts to positively impact St. Louis through its opportunities as an Olympic city.

Solomon Alexander, director of the St. Louis Sports Foundation, said, “We are proud to carry the torch as an Olympic city and commemorate Olympic Day with JJK and other local Olympians.  It’s become a unique tradition to have our celebration take place at Francis Olympic Field, the very site of the 1904 Games.  This is a fabulous opportunity to involve and inspire young people through the Olympic spirit.”

*Originally to be held on June 23, the event has been rescheduled for Wednesday, June 22.