Legendary Olympian Jackie Joyner-Kersee will headline the RVA Sports Awards on Feb. 8, bringing star power to the annual celebration of Richmond area athletic achievements.

Joyner-Kersee, widely regarded as one of the greatest female athletes in modern history, boasts an impressive résumé that includes three Olympic gold medals, four World Outdoor Championships golds and the world record of 7,291 points in the women’s heptathlon.

In addition to her track and field dominance, Joyner-Kersee briefly brought her talents to Richmond in 1996, signing to play professional basketball for the Richmond Rage of the American Basketball League. She appeared in 17 games for the team, with a season-high of 15 points scored.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jackie Joyner-Kersee to the RVA Sports Awards next year,” said Danielle Fitz-Hugh, vice president of community relations at Richmond Region Tourism. “Throughout her career and life, Jackie has broken records and barriers, while creating opportunities for more young people to get involved in sports.”

The event, hosted by the Richmond Region Tourism Foundation, will feature a “sneaker ball” theme, with attendees encouraged to pair formal wear with sneakers.

Award nominations for the RVA Sports Awards, presented by Rosie’s Gaming Emporium and Colonial Downs, close Dec. 10. Finalists will be announced Dec. 15, and public voting runs through Jan. 15 at rvasportsawards.com. Winners will be revealed during the Feb. 8 ceremony.

The event will feature a silent auction benefiting the Richmond Region Tourism Foundation’s Sports Grant Program, which supports local youth sports organizations. Auction donations are welcome, including gift certificates and memorabilia. Event tickets are priced at $75, with VIP tickets—which include a red carpet reception—available for $125.

For more information, see visitrichmondva.com/rva-sports-awards.