Space Coast Tourism Development Council Approves Funding to Bring 2020 AAU Jr. Olympics to Brevard
By Space Coast Daily // May 28, 2020
projected economic impact of the event for Brevard could be in excess of $8 million
SPACE COAST DAILY TV: The Space Coast Tourism Development Council unanimously approved during a meeting on Thursday to host the 2020 Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Junior Olympic Games in late July and early August.
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – The Space Coast Tourism Development Council unanimously approved during a meeting on Thursday to host the 2020 Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Junior Olympic Games in late July and early August.
The AAU Junior Olympic Games are the pinnacle competitions held annually by the AAU and the opportunity became available after Hampton Roads, Virginia lost the needed facilities because the local university there was unable to provide the facilities.
“This could be a tremendous lift for Brevard’s tourism industry as we come to the rescue to save the event for the kids,” said Rusty Buchanan, Vice President of the AAU and a resident of Cocoa Beach.
The AAU, founded in 1888, is one of the largest, non-profit multi-sport amateur sports organizations in the world.
The AAU Junior Olympic Games are known as the largest national multi-sport event for youth in the United States. It has become the showcase event of the AAU Sports Program.
Buchanan hosted the 1994 Junior Olympic Games in Brevard County, which featured more than 10,000 athletes and was one of the largest athletic events in the history of amateur games.
“The tourism council approved up to $100,000 towards the expenses of hosting the event and up to $50,000 towards the construction of the track at Viera High School, which would host the track and field portion of the hugely popular event,” said TDC Chair Giles Malone.
The projected economic impact of the event for Brevard could be in excess of $8 million.
“This will be a great way to create a boost for our local community and leave a beautiful track for our local school children and locals to use after the Junior Olympic Games ends this year,” said Brevard Public Schools Board Member Matt Susin.
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