Voting opens for RVA Sports Awards; Joyner-Kersee to serve as keynote speaker
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Voting is now open for the eighth annual RVA Sports Awards, which will be held Feb. 8 at an event headlined by keynote speaker and U.S. Olympian Jackie Joyner-Kerese.
The event, organized by the Richmond Region Tourism Foundation, will celebrate outstanding athletic achievements in the Richmond region from the past year.
Among the athletes with Henrico connections who are up for honors:
• University of Richmond women's basketball player Addie Budnik (Female Athlete of the Year);
• former University of Richmond running back Zach Palmer-Smith (Male Athlete of the Year);
• University of Richmond football team (Team of the Year);
• University of Richmond women's basketball coach Aaron Roussell (Coach of the Year);
• University of Richmond women's basketball team wins Atlantic 10 title at Henrico Sports and Events Center (Moment of the Year);
• Freeman High School graduate Cayman Goode, a 2024 draft pick of the Atlanta Braves (Youth Athlete of the Year);
• Sportable Wheelchair Basketball Championships at the Henrico Sports and Events Center (Event of the Year);
• Varina Dig Pink Fundraiser (Event of the Year).
For details about the event and to vote, click here.
Four-time Olympian Joyner-Kersee, known for her dominance in the heptathlon and long jump, is a three-time Olympic gold medalist, a four-time World Outdoor Championships gold medalist, and still holds the world record in the women's heptathlon with 7,291 points. In the Olympics, she won the long jump gold medal in 1988, the long jump bronze in 1992 and 1996, and the heptathlon silver in 1984, gold in 1988 and 1992.
Joyner-Kersee also played for the Richmond Rage of the American Basketball League in 1996-97.
“Throughout her career and life, Jackie has broken records and barriers, while creating opportunities for more young people to get involved in sports," said Danielle Fitz-Hugh, vice president of community relations at Richmond Region Tourism. "She shows us how powerful sports can be and the positive impacts it can make on our communities.”
Tickets for the RVA Sports Awards start at $75. Individual VIP tickets, priced at $125, include access to a red carpet reception. Guests are encouraged to wear sneakers in keeping with the event's “sneaker ball” attire theme.
A silent auction during the event will support the Richmond Region Tourism Foundation’s Sports Grant Program, which provides financial assistance to local youth sports organizations. Donations for the auction are encouraged and can include gift certificates, merchandise, memorabilia, services, and unique experiences. Interested donors can contact Deanne Ralston by clicking here.