The American Volkssport Association (AVA) is a United States-based nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting noncompetitive fitness activities that encourage lifelong fun, fitness, and friendship for people of all ages and abilities. It is the national sponsor of volkssporting events in the U.S., with a network of more than 200 active clubs hosting over 2,500 events annually nationwide[3][5].

History

Volkssporting originated in Germany in 1968 as a popular sport focused on outdoor activities free from competitive pressures and time constraints. The movement emphasizes personal fitness and social engagement through self-paced, noncompetitive events. The AVA was founded in the U.S. to promote these same principles.

The first American volkssport event took place in Fredericksburg, Texas, on June 12–13, 1976, coinciding with the American Independence Bicentennial celebration. Approximately 230 participants took part in this inaugural event[1]. The formal organization of the AVA was established in April 1976 in Texas and shortly thereafter accepted as an associate member of the International Federation of Popular Sports (IVV)[1].

The AVA held its first national convention in June 1979 in Yellow Springs, Ohio. During this convention, the organization’s name was officially changed from International Federation of Popular Sports–American Volkssport (IPS-AVA) to the American Volkssport Association (AVA) to better represent its national identity and distinguish it from the international parent organization. Dr. David Toth was elected as its first president. Later that year, on July 7, 1979, AVA became the 12th member country of the IVV[1][4].

Mission and Activities

The American Volkssport Association's mission is to promote and organize noncompetitive fitness activities that are inclusive and accessible to all ages and abilities. Volkssporting includes various outdoor activities such as walking, biking, swimming, canoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. The program encourages participants to set their own pace and enjoy physical fitness in a stress-free, friendly environment[3][5].

The AVA’s hallmark is its inclusive, noncompetitive events where "Everyone's A Winner!" This ethos reflects the organization's dedication to health, community, and enjoyment rather than competition[1].

Structure and Programs

AVA operates through a grassroots network of chartered sports clubs across the United States, supported by a National Office located in San Antonio, Texas. The organization is governed by an all-volunteer board of directors including a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and ten Regional Directors who form the National Executive Council. The National Office employs a small staff to assist with administration[5].

One unique feature of the AVA is its Achievement Awards Program, which allows participants to track their participation and distances walked or biked. Participants purchase record books that are stamped at each event, and upon submission and verification, the AVA awards patches, pins, and certificates recognizing their accomplishments[5].

Significance

Since its establishment, the American Volkssport Association has grown to become America’s premier noncompetitive sports organization, fostering physical fitness and social camaraderie through accessible outdoor sporting events. The AVA is part of a global volkssporting movement that promotes lifelong fitness and community engagement in over 40 countries worldwide[5].

Categories: Non-profit organizations based in the United States, Sports organizations established in 1976, Walking organizations, Fitness organizations

[1] https://cb.ava.org/Operations_Policies/Rev_01_06_23/Introduction%20and%20History%20(rev.%2001.06.23).pdf [2] https://cb.ava.org/History/history_of_volkssporting.pdf [3] https://ava.org/about/ [4] https://www.nebraskatrailblazers.com/about/club-history/ [5] https://cb.ava.org/about2.php