THE AMATEUR ATHLETIC UNION OF THE UNITED STATES
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WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO
he Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) was founded on January 21, 1888 by William Buckingham Curtis with the goal of creating common standards in amateur sport. During its early years, the AAU served as a leader in international sport representing the United States in the international sports federations and worked closely with the Olympic movement to prepare athletes for the Olympic Games. After the Amateur Sports Act of 1978 broke up the AAU’s responsibility as the national Olympic sports governing body, the AAU refocused its efforts on grassroots sports programming for participants of all ages at the local and regional levels. Today, the AAU is the oldest and one of the largest non-profit organizations dedicated exclusively to fulfilling the philosophy of Sports For All, Forever. The AAU is divided into 55 district associations which annually sanction more than 35 sports programs for an estimated 700,000 members. Additionally, the AAU continues to honor the nation’s top amateur athlete with the presentation of the AAU James E. Sullivan Award at the world renowned New York Athletic Club each spring.
AAU PROGRAMS
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he AAU licenses an estimated 375,000 events across the United States each year. Athletes compete in more than 1,800 national championship events each year and earn an estimated 10,000 gold medals at AAU National Championship events.
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MISSION STATEMENT
To offer amateur sports programs through a volunteer base for all people to have the physical, mental and moral development of amateur athletes and to promote good sportsmanship and good citizenship.
VISION STATEMENT
To offer amateur athletes and volunteers opportunities to develop to their highest level through a national and local network of sporting events. Through participation in AAU, we achieve our dreams as athletes and as valued citizens of our communities.
SPORTS FOR ALL, FOREVER
PARTNERSHIP WITH DISNEY
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n 1994, the AAU joined forces with the Walt Disney World Resort, signing a 30-year agreement to join the Atlanta Braves as one of the flagship tenants of ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex (formerly Disney’s Wide World of Sports). As part of the agreement, many of the AAU’s national championship events are played at the world class ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort. As an added benefit to AAU members competing in select events at the ESPN Complex, the Walt Disney World Resort hosts unrivaled Opening Ceremonies and private water park parties.
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BY THE NUMBERS: AAU MEMBERSHIPS AND SPORTS PROGRAMS
number of members, including athletes and non-athletes, 700,000 estimated during the 2016 membership year of sports programs in the of districts in which the AAU 35 number 55 number 2016 membership year hosts events each year
150,000 375,000
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estimated number of volunteers who represent the Amateur Athletic Union each year estimated number of AAU licensed events hosted each year across the United States
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NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP EVENTS
AAU national 1,800 licensed championships hosted across the country this year medals to be earned 10,000 gold at AAU national events in 2016 livestream minutes 5.3 MILLION million viewed of AAU national events in 2015
TOP EVENTS IN 2017
AAU GIRLS’ JUNIOR NATIONAL VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS ORLANDO, FLORIDA | JUNE 18-26 35,000 PARTICIPANTS | 85,000 SPECTATORS LARGEST VOLLEYBALL EVENT IN THE WORLD
AAU JUNIOR OLYMPIC GAMES DETROIT, MICHIGAN | JULY 26-AUGUST 5 15,000 ATHLETES | 20 SPORTS COMPETING LARGEST NATIONAL MULTI-SPORTS EVENT IN THE U.S.
JAM ON IT RENO MEMORIAL DAY AAU TOURNAMENT RENO, NEVADA | MAY 27-29 13,200 ATHLETES | 73 COURTS IN 1 VENUE LARGEST “ALL UNDER ROOF” BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
AAU PRIMARY AND CLUB NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS ORLANDO, FLORIDA | JULY 7-15 5,000 ATHLETES | AGES 5-18
FULL LIST OF SPORTS PROGRAMS TRACK AND FIELD CROSS COUNTRY MULTI-EVENTS TRACK AND FIELD BASEBALL BASKETBALL BOYS’ BASKETBALL GIRLS’ BASKETBALL MEN’S BASKETBALL WOMEN’S BASKETBALL BATON TWIRLING BOWLING CHEERLEADING DANCE DIVING FASTPITCH FOOTBALL 7V7 FLAG FOOTBALL TACKLE FOOTBALL GOLF GYMNASTICS HOCKEY FIELD HOCKEY ICE HOCKEY INLINE HOCKEY JUMP ROPE LACROSSE MARTIAL ARTS JUDO KARATE KUNG-FU TAEKWONDO SOCCER SPORT STACKING SOFTBALL STRENGTH SPORTS FEATS OF STRENGTH POWERLIFTING WEIGHTLIFTING SURFING SWIMMING TABLE TENNIS TARGET SHOOTING TRAMPOLINE TUMBLING VOLLEYBALL INDOOR VOLLEYBALL BEACH VOLLEYBALL WRESTLING
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AAU JUNIOR OLYMPIC GAMES
BY THE NUMBERS: AAU JUNIOR OLYMPIC GAMES 15,000 50,000 46
estimated number of athletes expected to compete in the AAU Junior Olympic Games this year in Detroit estimated number of spectator tickets purchased for the 50th annual AAU Junior Olympic Games estimated number of AAU national track and field records broken during the 2016 AAU Junior Olympic Games in Houston
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boys track and field records were set
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girls track and field records were set
estimated number of states expected to be represented at the AAU Junior Olympic Games in Detroit, Michigan estimated economic impact to the city of Houston from the 15,000 athletes and 30,000 spectators in attendance for the 11-day event in 2016. cities in which the AAU Junior states in which the AAU Junior Olympic Games have been hosted Olympic Games have taken place since 1967 during its 50-year history
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SPORTS REPRESENTED -Basketball -Baton Twirling -Bowling -Cheerleading -Field Hockey -Gymnastics -Inline Hockey -Jump Rope -Karate -Taekwondo -All-Sports Combine -Feats of Strength -Powerlifting -Weightlifting 5
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-Sport Stacking -Swimming -Track and Field/Multi-Events -Trampoline and Tumbling -Wrestling -7v7 Football
HISTORY
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he AAU Junior Olympic Games have become the showcase event of the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU), attracting more than 15,000 youth athletes for the largest multi-sport event for youth in the United States. elebrating its 50th annual event this year, the AAU Junior Olympic Games began on August 21, 1967 when Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey proclaimed the start at the Departmental Auditorium on Constitutional Ave. in Washington D.C. The inaugural event drew 523 athletes who competed for national championships in swimming and track and field, establishing 18 AAU records during the event.
ince then, the AAU Junior Olympic Games have been conducted in 19 states and 30 cities across the United States. One of the premier events in the nation, youth athletes have used the event as the starting point to an ultra-successful professional career.
NOTABLE ALUMNI
s one of the largest amateur multi-sports events in the country, the AAU Junior Olympic Games is an exciting event for host cities as it brings visitors to the area, enhances tourism and has a significant economic impact to the localities. Since 2010, the AAU Junior Olympic Games have brought in over $50 million per year to previous host cities like Hampton Roads, Va.; New Orleans, La.; Houston, Texas; Detroit, Mich.; and Des Moines, Iowa.
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BY THE NUMBERS: AAU JAMES E. SULLIVAN AWARD
he AAU James E. Sullivan Award was established in 1930 in honor of the organization’s founder and past president. Sullivan was recognized as a pioneer in the amateur sports movement and he is credited with developing the current concept of the playground and organized recreation of the present day.
of the AAU (New York). In recognition of his services as director of the 1904 Olympic Games, Sullivan was presented the Olympic medal by the International Olympic Committee, becoming the only American other than President McKinley to b so honored at the time.
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he AAU James E. Sullivan Award has been presented annually since 1930 to the most orn in New York City, Sullivan was a founder outstanding amateur athlete in the U.S. and of the Public School Athletic League of aims to recognize the qualities of leadership, New York, which now serves as a forerunner citizenship, character and sportsmanship on for other cities across the country, and served and off the field. as president of the Metropolitan Association
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HISTORY
34 track and field athletes have won the award -- the most by any sport have won the award, including Mark Spitz (1971) and Michael Phelps 10 swimmers (2003) players have won the award, including last year’s co-winner Navy 8 football quarterback Keenan Reynolds players have taken home the award, including last year’s co-winner 6 basketball UConn forward Breanna Stewart 4 figure skaters have won the award, including Evan Lysacek in 2010 The award has also gone to three gymnasts, three speedskaters, three divers, three wrestlers, two oarsmen, two golfers, one paralympian, one ultra-marathoner, one baseball player and one tennis player.
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BY THE NUMBERS: AAU GIRLS’ JUNIOR NATIONAL VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS 35,000 2,244 183 500
estimated number of participants at the 2016 AAU Girls’ Junior National Volleyball Championships estimated number of teams who attended the 2016 event for eight full days of competition total number of courts used between ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, Orange County Convention Center and Orlando Sports Center approximate number of college coaches from across the nation who attended the event, a record set on University Athlete.
1.2 MILLION MINUTES OF LIVESTREAM VIEWED
during the 43rd AAU Girls’ Junior National Volleyball Championships at aautv.org
OTHER TOP INDOOR EVENTS AAU Boy’s Junior National Volleyball Championships Orlando Sports Center | Orlando, Florida AAU Volleyball Classic ESPN WWOS | Orlando, Florida AAU West Coast Volleyball Championships Westgate Resort & Casino | Las Vegas AAU Puerto Rico Grand Prix Puerto Rico Convention Center | Puerto Rico
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AAU BEACH VOLLEYBALL WEST COAST AAU JUNIOR OLYMPIC GAMES
2016 OLYMPIANS
who attended the AAU West Coast Junior 314 teams Olympic Games in Hermosa Beach, Calif. in 2016 used for competition during the four-day 35 courts event
JULY 6-9, 2016 | HERMOSA BEACH, CA
AAU JUNIOR NATIONAL BEACH VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS
who competed in the AAU Junior National Beach 298 teams Volleyball Championships in 2016 used for competition during 60 courts the two-day event
JULY 20-23, 2016 | HERMOSA BEACH, CA
TOTALS
127,000 289 129
estimated number of AAU Volleyball memberships in 2016, making it the second largest sport in the AAU indoor volleyball events licensed in 2016, a 14 percent increase from the previous year beach volleyball events licensed in 2016, a 30 percent increase from the previous year
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BY THE NUMBERS: JAM ON IT / ALL UNDER ONE ROOF EVENTS JAM ON IT: RENO MEMORIAL DAY BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
Jam On It is the host of the largest basketball tournament “All Under One Roof� in the world. The Jam On It Reno Memorial Day Basketball Tournament has become a must-attend event. More than 1,000 amateur youth basketball teams from Nevada, California, Oregon, Washington, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico make Reno, Nevada their youth basketball destination each year. 35,000 estimated number of spectators in attendance in 2016 20,000 estimated number of players and coaches who competed in 2016 2,081 number of games played on 85 courts at Reno Spark Convention Center 1,020 total number of teams (750 boys, 270 girls) who competed in 2016 $4.62 MILLION estimated impact to the Reno-area economy
JAM ON IT: AAU BIG MOUNTAIN JAM BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT Entering its sixth year, Jam On It is the host of the AAU Big Mountain Jam Basketball Tournament as the largest basketball tournament in Utah history. More than 600 amateur youth basketball teams from Nevada, California, Oregon, Washington, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico tip-off at the South Towne Expo Convention Center in Sandy, Utah when 36 full-sized basketball courts await. 4,000 esimated number of in-state participants in 2016 6,000 estimated number of out-of-state participants during the 2016 event 9,000 total number of spectators on-hand for the sixth year of the event
$1.5 MILLION estimated economic impact to Salt Lake County, Utah
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JAM ON IT: AAU CACTUS CLASSIC AND SOUTHWEST REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
New in 2016, Jam On It partnered with Arizona AAU to bring its “All Under One Roof” atmosphere to Arizona for the first time at WestWorld of Scottsdale. More than 140 teams from Arizona, California, North Dakota, New Mexico and Nevada attended the first-year events in Scottsdale. 62 total number of teams that attended the AAU Cactus Classic in 2016 86 total number of teams who competed in the 2016 Southwest Regional Championships
JAM ON IT: LAS VEGAS EVENTS 2016 AAU West Coast Grade-Based Championships 47 total teams 2016 AAU West Coast National Championships 483 total teams 2016 AAU Boys Super Showcase 41 total teams 2016 AAU Las Vegas Classic 217 total teams 2016 AAU Girls’ Super Showcase 48 total teams 2016 AAU Grand Finale 371 total teams 1,207 total number of teams who competed in AAU / Jam On It events in Las Vegas, Nevada in 2016
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any of the more than 1,800 annual AAU national championship events are held at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort. Select AAU national championship events air live on WatchESPN and the WatchESPN mobile application from ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, which has become the worldwide leader in ESPN3 content production. The ESPN Complex offers families a number of amenities that set the complex apart from any other sports venue. For select events, athletes may enjoy a world-class opening ceremony in Champion Stadium or have the opportunity to enjoy themselves away from the competition venue as they escape to a private party at one of Disneys world-class theme parks or water parks.
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OTHER NOTABLE VENUES AT&T Stadium Highlighting the 6U, 8U, 10U and 12U programs for AAU Football leagues in Arkansas and Texas, the annual AAU All-Star Game Battle of the Border takes place each December in the home of the Dallas Cowboys.
Marlins Park Home of the Opening Ceremony for the AAU Baseball International Championships in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Marlins Park. The AAU Baseball International Championships has featured teams from 10 nations since its beginning in 2015.
Greensboro Coliseum Complex Twenty three-time host of the Men’s ACC Tournament, the Greensboro Coliseum Complex plays host to the AAU 13U Division I and II National Championships, as well as the 8th Grade National Championships each July.
Not Pictured: Orange County Convention Center (AAU Girls’ Junior Volleyball National Championships); LakePoint Sporting Community and Town Center (AAU Girls’ Basketball National Championships); Reno Convention Center (Jam On It Reno Memorial Day AAU Tournament); and Westworld of Scottsdale (AAU Southwest Regional Championship / Jam On It Cactus Classic) #WeAreAAU
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AAU DISTRICTS
Find a local AAU licensed event for your business at any of our 55 AAU districts # District # District # District 2 New England 21 Central 40 Iowa 3 Adirondack 22 Ozark 41 Kentucky 4 Niagara 23 Arkansas 42 New Mexico 5 Connecticut 24 Southern 43 South Texas 6 New York Metropolitan 25 Gulf 44 Pacific Southwest 7 New Jersey 26 Southwestern 45 Georgia 8 Middle Atlantic 27 Oklahoma 46 Central California 9 Maryland 28 Missouri Valley 47 West Texas 10 Potomac Valley 29 Nebraska 48 Arizona 11 Western Pennsylvania 30 Minnesota 50 Florida Gold Coast 12 Virginia 31 Montana 51 West Virginia 13 North Carolina 32 Colorado 52 North Dakota 14 Florida 33 Southern Pacific 54 South Dakota 15 Southeastern 34 Utah 55 South Carolina 16 Indiana 35 Inland Empire 56 Alaska 17 Ohio 36 Pacific Northwest 58 Wyoming 18 Lake Erie 37 Oregon 61 Puerto Rico 19 Michigan 38 Pacific 20 Wisconsin 39 Hawaiian For additional information, contact Pam Marshall at the AAU National Office at 407-828-3859.
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NOTABLE AAU ALUMNI
Professional athletes from across the nation competed in AAU events as amateur athletes
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ounded in 1888, the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) is one of the largest, nonprofit, volunteer event organizations in the United States. The “Sports For All, Forever” philosophy is shared by more than 700,000 participants and 150,000 volunteers each year. The AAU licenses 35 sports programs and more than 375,000 events across the country each year. otable alumni of the AAU include fivetime NBA champion Shaquille O’Neal; 2007 Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow;
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Olympic gold medalist Shawn Johnson; three-time heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali; and 2015 National League MVP Bryce Harper. ot pictured here are elite athletes such as 2015 NL Most Valuable Player Bryce Harper; threetime NL Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw; three-time NBA champion LeBron James; back-toback NBA MVP Stephen Curry; Olympic diver David Boudia; James E. Sullivan Award winner Ezekiel Elliott; and Super Bowl XLV champion Jordy Nelson.
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THANK YOU TO ALL OUR CURRENT PARTNERS AND SPONSORS
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