Amateur Athletic Union of the United States

The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) is a significant nonprofit organization in the United States, established in 1888. As a prominent governing body for amateur sports, the AAU aims to promote and develop athletic opportunities across a wide range of sports, championing the motto "Sports For All, Forever." With a membership of nearly 800,000 individuals and 150,000 volunteers, the AAU operates in over 50 sports disciplines and has a presence in 55 U.S. districts.

History

Founded in New York City, the AAU was created primarily to set standards and uniformity in amateur sports. Initially, it focused on certifying athletes as amateurs and played a crucial role in preparing American athletes for international competitions, including the Olympic Games. Over the years, the AAU has evolved, especially since the late 1970s, redirecting its efforts towards providing grassroots sports programs aimed at participants of all ages and abilities.

In 1996, the AAU established a partnership with Walt Disney World and relocated its national headquarters to Orlando, Florida. This move facilitated the organization’s hosting of numerous national sporting events at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, where it continues to hold over 60 national events annually.

Programs and Initiatives

The AAU oversees a variety of sports and events, establishing itself as a leader in youth athletics. Key initiatives include:

• AAU Junior Olympic Games: Recognized as the largest multi-sport event in the U.S.

• AAU Junior National Volleyball Championships: The largest volleyball event worldwide, showcasing over 2,700 teams each year.

• AAU Sullivan Award: Established in 1930, this prestigious award honors the nation's outstanding amateur athlete and acknowledges their leadership, character, and sportsmanship.

• AAU Cares: Launched in 2016, this program aims to give back to communities and instill lessons of life and social responsibility in athletes.

Governing Sports

The AAU is involved in a diverse range of sports, serving as the governing body for activities including:

• Basketball
• Boxing
• Gymnastics
• Swimming
• Wrestling
• Track and Field

In total, the AAU supervises numerous sports, helping to shape and support amateur athletic development across the nation.

Mission and Vision

The AAU's mission is to provide amateur sports programs through a robust volunteer network, ensuring that individuals can achieve physical, mental, and moral development as athletes. Its vision focuses on empowering amateur athletes and volunteers through extensive networks of sporting events, fostering growth and participation at all levels.

Through its rich history and commitment to amateur athletics, the Amateur Athletic Union continues to be a vital force in promoting sports and physical fitness across the United States.

[1] https://aausports.org/about-aau [2] https://www.britannica.com/topic/Amateur-Athletic-Union-of-the-United-States [3] https://www.aausullivan.org/history [4] https://www.ncsasports.org/aau [5] https://vault.si.com/vault/1961/09/25/the-end-of-the-aau