Latest local news, weather and high school sports for Tri-State area

QUINCY, ILL. -- Quincy Medical Group is pleased to announce a partnership with six-time Olympic medalist, Jackie Joyner-Kersee. 

Joyner has some ties to Quincy with individuals on her staff; Mike Sams, from Quincy, is currently working with Jackie on various events, and the two were in town recently to meet with QMG employee, personal trainer and Race Director of the Bridge the Gap to Health Race, Carrie Kimber. Kimber is a nationally-ranked triathlete and master swimmer who helped bring Joyner and QMG to the table together and a partnership was formed.

Jackie Joyner-Kersee and Quincy Medical Group's Maximum Athletics Team will present the World Class Speed and Agility Camp June 4, 5 and 6. "When I sat down with QMG folks and the Maximum Athletics Team, I realized it was a perfect fit," said Joyner-Kersee "Quincy Medical Group's sports medicine physicians, athletic trainers, and personal trainers have the knowledge and skills to run a safe and effective camp, and I am pleased to work with them on it."

"Athletes put a lot of time and dedication into their training," stated Anthony Biggs, DO, Quincy Medical Group sports medicine, medical director. "Jackie Joyner-Kersee understands the importance of maximizing an athlete's training session, while minimizing the possibility of injury. QMG and area athletes will benefit from Jackie's skills, expertise and life story."

In addition to the World Class Speed and agility camp, Joyner-Kersee wants to promote overall health and well-being in the community. Joyner-Kersee will be attending the Bridge the Gap to Health Race Expo, Race, and Race after-party at Backwaters. "Bridge the Gap is an amazing opportunity for the local community," noted Joyner-Kersee. "It not only promotes a healthy lifestyle, but also gives back to those by funding prescription medications to those in need. Quincy is lucky to have the race, and I am honored to participate in such an event." Joyner and the race's motivational speaker, Amby Burfoot, Editor at Large of Runner's World are expected to meet again at the expo and race, and share their knowledge of running.

In the fall, Jackie Joyner-Kersee will return to Quincy to speak to area youth about her own experiences as an athlete with asthma, the importance of living a healthy lifestyle and preventing childhood obesity. "The mission of the Quincy Medical Healthcare Foundation is to support local community projects that improve health and well-being and foster medical education," stated George Crickard, III, MD, Orthopedic Surgeon and Quincy Medical Group Healthcare Foundation board member. "The QMG Healthcare foundation is proud to work with an Olympic athlete that strives to be a role model for children and adults alike, and to share that with the region is a win-win."

Quincy Medical Group is looking forward to its ongoing partnership with Jackie Joyner-Kersee and the opportunity to bring her message to the tri-states.