54th AAU Junior Olympic Games Set for Brevard Beginning Saturday, Volunteers Can Sign Up Now

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – We are now less than a week away from the start of the 54th Amateur Athletic Union Junior Olympic Games all across the Space Coast, as the prestigious multi-sport event will run July 25  through August 8.

The 2020 AAU Junior Olympic Games are a collaboration between the AAU, Space Coast Office of Tourism, Governor Ron DeSantis, Florida Sports Foundation, School Board of Brevard County, Brevard County Board of County Commissioners, and the Sunshine State Games to provide participation athletic opportunities to a diverse athlete and coach demographic.

Since 1967, the Games have provided thousands of athletes, from across the nation, the chance to compete for a gold medal and make memories to last a lifetime.

Events and locations are locked in with numerous venues and facilities across Brevard County readying for the arrival of athletes, parents and coaches.

“The turnaround for this event has been quick and would not have been possible without your continued support,” said AAU First Vice President Rusty Buchanan. “A few weeks ago, event registration opened up and the athletes quickly followed suit.”

Bringing the event to Florida will provide a positive economic impact to the Space Coast area of at least $3 million to $3.5 million from upwards of 10,000 hotels room nights, restaurants and other local businesses benefiting from an influx of 2,000 to 3,000 athletes, coaches, parents and their families to the area from in-state and out-of-state.

“We’re absolutely thrilled that we’re getting this opportunity,” Space Coast Office of Tourism Executive Director Peter Cranis said. “The timing of it couldn’t be any better.”

For more on sports featured in this year’s Games, visit www.aaujrogames.org

CLICK HERE TO VOLUNTEER

Comprehensive Social Distancing

As the sports landscape across the country starts to re-open with athletes, coaches and fans gearing up for competition once again such as the AAU Junior Olympic Games, the AAU continues to adjust and modify its event planning accordingly.

“In these unprecedented times, we must stay ever vigilant and proceed with an abundance of caution – acting in concert with local and state guidelines – to offer participation opportunities to athletes wherever it is deemed safe to do so,” said Buchanan.

AAU officials said comprehensive social distancing and containment mitigation measures and crafted and reviewed by health professionals will be put in place including limiting spectators, offering hand sanitizing stations, requiring masks, temperature checks and having testing protocols in place.

“We feel strongly these steps are vital and must be enacted in order for the Games to be hosted safely,” said Buchanan.

“Moving forward, the AAU and the local event organizing committee will work diligently with local, county, and medical professionals to continue to monitor the status of the virus.”

CLICK HERE TO VOLUNTEER

Need for Volunteers – Share the Word

Throughout its history, volunteers are an integral part of the successful running of any AAU Junior Olympic Games.  The need for volunteers holds especially true this year.

“Help us share the word to create a groundswell of tremendous community support,” said Buchanan.

“This is a great volunteer opportunity for students and adults alike. Students can use these volunteer hours toward sign off for community service requirements.”

Scheduling blocks including specific hours and event opportunities are being built now.

“Again, thank you for the time and effort you have given so far in bringing this premier national event to the Space Coast area,” said Buchanan. “With your continued support, we will host a truly fantastic event.”

CLICK HERE TO VOLUNTEER

STAY TUNED TO SPACE COAST DAILY FOR UPDATES AND LIVE COVERAGE OF THE GAMES

CLICK HERE FOR BREVARD COUNTY NEWS

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