AAU Announces Opening of New West Coast Office with Support of Visit Anaheim
ANAHEIM, Calif. (March 14, 2016) – The largest youth sports organization in the United States is bringing additional sports programs to the West Coast with the opening of a new office in Anaheim, the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) and Visit Anaheim announced today. AAU will be working side-by-side with Visit Anaheim's newly formed Sports Anaheim division to strengthen and support destination's sports culture by attracting diverse sporting events to Anaheim and Orange County.
A more formalized presence in California will allow the AAU to provide stronger support for existing AAU programs while working to drive several new AAU events out west and more diligently support West Coast members.
"Despite being more than 100 years old, the legacy and tradition of the AAU is still maturing," said Dr. Roger J. Goudy, President/CEO of the AAU. "We are incredibly thankful for our partnership with Visit Anaheim as this alliance promises to deliver new first-class events to our west coast membership."
Among a number of new events being planned on the west coast, the AAU is working to refocus its efforts and establish the AAU West Coast Junior Olympic Games as one of the premier multi-sport events in the country. Slated to take place in Anaheim this July, the 2016 Games will be the event's first year as a major sports festival. The event will feature approximately 15 different sports and bring a projected 2,000 athletes and their families to the Anaheim area to compete.
"We are proud to welcome AAU to Anaheim and their commitment to help attract world-class sporting events to our destination," said Jay Burress, president & CEO, Visit Anaheim. "Developing our Sports Anaheim division and expanding our partnership with AAU are crucial examples in reaffirming Visit Anaheim's commitment to growing and fostering amateur athletic events in our area."