Competition in the 2011 Summer Senior National Games got underway last week, but a Celebration of Athletes Tuesday night at the Toyota Center marked the official kickoff.
Photo by Adolfo Chavez III
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Photo courtesy of Amateur Athletic Union (AAU)
Taekwondo is just one of the events showcased at the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Junior Olympic Games
The finest young athletes in the nation will be heading to Houston for 12 days of intense competition as the city hosts the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Junior Olympic Games for the fourth time.
“We’re very excited to once again welcome the country’s best competitors and their families to Houston for the 2025 AAU Junior Olympic Games,” Harris County - Houston Sports Authority (HCHSA) CEO Ryan Walsh said in a statement. “The AAU has a long history of producing some of the most renowned athletes in the country, and we look forward to seeing the next generation of talent compete in this year’s events. It’s an honor to bring the AAU Junior Olympic Games back to our city.”
Competition will take place July 22 - August 2.
Founded in 1888, the AAU is the largest nonprofit youth multi-sports organization in the United States, and its Junior Olympic Games is the largest multi-sport youth event, featuring 16,000 athletes in this year's games. Previously, it was the primary feeder program for the International Olympic Games, and to this day many Olympic luminaries are AAU alumni. These include Houston's own gymnast Simone Biles, Dallas track star Sha’Carri Richardson, swimmer Katie Ledecky, and beach volleyball player Sara Hughes.
The schedule for the AAU Junior Olympics is as follows..
- Swimming: Tuesday, July 22 - Sunday, July 27 at the Cy-Fair Natatorium
- Indoor Sports: Wednesday, July 23 - Wednesday, July 30 at the George R. Brown Convention Center
- Baton Twirling, Dance, Cheerleading, Gymnastics, Jump Rope, Karate, Taekwondo, Trampoline & Tumbling, Sports Stacking and Wrestling
- Flag Football: Thursday, July 24 - Sunday, July 27 at Rice Stadium
- Track & Field/Multi-Events: Saturday, July 26 - Saturday, August 2 at Turner Stadium
- Field Hockey: Monday, July 28 - Thursday, July 31 at Episcopal High School
One notable aspect of Houston hosting is that the city is on track to be the second-most used home for the games. With Houston slated to also host in 2027 and 2031, the Bayou City will trail only Des Moines, IA.
“We are so excited to bring our premier event back to Houston,” AAU President Jo Mirza said. “The AAU Junior Olympic Games bring together athletes from all corners of the country and all walks of life to showcase their skills on a national stage. Harris County Houston Sports Authority has been an invaluable partner in helping us create such a successful event for these athletes and attendees.”
Tickets and more information can be found at HoustonSports.org.
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