Amateur Athletic Union of the United States

The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) is a prominent nonprofit organization in the United States dedicated to promoting and developing amateur sports and physical fitness programs. Founded in 1888, the AAU serves as one of the largest volunteer-based sports organizations globally, with a mission to provide opportunities for individuals of all ages to participate in sports and improve physical fitness.

History

Established in 1888 within the New York Athletic Club, the AAU initially focused on setting standards and uniformity in amateur sports across the United States. During its early years, it represented the U.S. in various international sports federations and played a crucial role in preparing U.S. athletes for Olympic participation. Over time, the AAU shifted its focus to grassroots sports programs, aiming to include all age groups and fitness levels. This strategic shift occurred primarily in the late 1970s.

In the 1990s, the AAU partnered with Walt Disney World, relocating its national headquarters to Orlando, Florida, and began hosting numerous national events at the ESPN World of Sports Complex.

Programs and Events

The AAU offers programs across over 50 sports, including basketball, boxing, gymnastics, handball, swimming, and track and field. Notable events hosted by the AAU include:

• AAU Junior Olympic Games: The largest multi-sport youth event in the United States.
• AAU Junior National Volleyball Championships: The largest volleyball event in the world, attracting over 2,700 teams annually.
• AAU James E. Sullivan Award: Established in 1930, this award recognizes the nation’s top amateur athlete, honoring qualities such as leadership, character, and sportsmanship.

Honors and Recognition

The AAU awards several prestigious honors annually:

• The AAU James E. Sullivan Award is given to America's outstanding amateur athlete.
• The AAU Gussie Crawford Lifetime Achievement Award, established in 2017, honors trailblazers in amateur sports who have paved the way for significant change.

Community Initiatives

The AAU fosters community engagement through its "AAU Cares" program, initiated in 2016. This initiative is aimed at giving back to host communities by promoting life skills and social responsibility alongside athletic development.

Structure and Membership

With nearly 800,000 members and 150,000 volunteers across more than 50 sports programs, the AAU operates through a network of local and national events. Its volunteer base is critical to organizing events and promoting its vision of "Sports For All, Forever."