Jackie Joyner-Kersee, one of the greatest women’s athletes of all time, will arrive in Bermuda today as the special guest for the Bermuda Olympic Association’s 80th Anniversary celebrations.

A four-times Olympian, Joyner-Kersee is unable to host the Youth Sports Clinic at the National Sports Centre, however, as her flight was delayed because of Hurricane Nicole, with the BOA deciding to cancel today’s event.

She was scheduled to arrive on the island yesterday and host the clinic for more than 100 youngsters from local track clubs and schools.

Judy Simons, the BOA president, said it was unfortunate that the hurricane had put paid to the clinic but was delighted Joyner-Kersee would still be sprinkling some stardust on tonight’s gala at the Fairmont Southampton at 7.30pm.

Joyner-Kersee won three gold, one silver, and two bronze medals in the long jump and heptathlon for the United States at the 1984, 1988, 1992 and 1996 Olympic Games.

“It’s very unfortunate that Hurricane Nicole disrupted our plans for the Youth Sports Clinic, and that we’ve had to cancel it,” Simons said.

“I’ve been in touch with Jackie and I know she is disappointed she won’t have the opportunity to interact with Bermuda’s young athletes at the clinic.

“But we are very much looking forward to her address at the gala, and to seeing everyone there.”

Also today at 11am is the unveiling of the Olympic Wall, which has been erected at the NSC and features all of the names of Bermuda’s Olympians.

About 170 athletes, including eight at the Rio Olympics, have competed for Bermuda at the Summer Games in athletics, boxing, cycling, diving, equestrian, rowing, sailing, swimming, tennis and triathlon.

Bermuda has also been represented in luge, skeleton and skiing at the Winter Olympics.

With Bermuda escaping unscathed from the hurricane, which hit the island on Thursday, there will be a full slate of sport taking place this weekend.

In tomorrow’s FA Cup preliminary-round football matches, Southampton Rangers have a tricky tie against Butterfield & Vallis United, the only Corona League team to take up the BFA’s invitation to compete in the competition.

Hamilton Parish face Wolves in the opening match of a double-header at Wellington Oval and St George’s host Paget Lions.

X-Roads and St David’s meet at Garrison Field in the other match, while Young Men’s Social Club and BAA have received byes into the first round on January 15.

However, all of today’s junior games have been postponed until next Saturday, a decision made by the BFA on Wednesday when it emerged that Hurricane Nicole was approaching Bermuda.

Meanwhile, the Bermuda Cricket Board has postponed tonight’s award ceremony at Gosling’s Wine Cellar because of the impact of Hurricane Nicole. It is now likely to be held next Saturday.