No need flying to Beijing to witness greatness. Get an eyeful of top competition at the largest multi-sport youth event in the nation, the 2008 AAU Junior Olympic Games, coming next week to metro Detroit.
Hosted by the Detroit Metro Sports Commission, the AAU Junior Olympic Games run Wednesday, July 23 through Saturday, Aug. 2. More than 15,000 athletes from every state in the country will compete in 21 event categories from track & field and baseball to cheerleading and field hockey. Also visiting will be thousands of coaches and parents.
The AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) Junior Olympic Games are open to the public. Tickets range from $60 for a pass to all events to $12 for a day pass. Admission is $5 to the Celebration of Athletes. There also are opportunities to get close to the action for volunteers.
Check out the links below for more information.
The Competitions In the days before live satellite sports coverage or even television, the Amateur Athletic Union would run track & field events in hundreds of locations across the country. Each event would "wire in" the results by telephone to tabulate results and determine the national winners. Today, the top competitors come to one place: Southeast Michigan.
The Athletes "Sports for All, Forever" has been the focus and drive since the AAU was established in 1888. In the years since its founding, the AAU has helped develop an appreciation for sports and inspired in young athletes a spirit for excellence.
The Celebration From its founding, the Amateur Athletic Union has served to introduced America's youth to discipline, teamwork and persistence. The public can show their support and enjoy a chance to meet some of the athletes, coaches and visiting families at the Celebration of Athletes on Monday, July 28.
The Venues You can take your pick of where to enjoy the competition, happening throughout Southeast Michigan.
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