General | June 15, 2017 | 15:48

DETROIT – The Detroit Sports Commission (DSC) is seeking volunteer assistance to fill more than 3,000 shifts for the 2017 AAU Junior Olympic Games. The largest national multi-sport event for youth in the United States returns to metro Detroit for a fourth time, July 26 – August 5.
 
Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi will host trampoline & tumbling, cheerleading, jump rope, baton twirling, sport stacking, boys and girls wrestling, taekwondo, karate, powerlifting, weightlifting and all sports combine, while Eastern Michigan University's Rynearson Stadium will house track and field. Oakland University (swimming), Legacy Center in Brighton (7-on-7 football) and Detroit Country Day (field hockey) will also serve as host venues.

Those interested in becoming a volunteer should visit www.detroitsports.org/aau.

"Volunteers for the AAU Junior Olympic Games play very integral roles and are absolutely necessary to the overall success of the event," Detroit Sports Commission Director Kris Smith said. "From the moment that visitors arrive in metro Detroit until the time they leave, our volunteers are making sure they have a memorable experience, and we can't thank them enough for their service and support."

Volunteers will help in a variety of areas throughout the event ranging from registration to helping with sports competitions and awards ceremonies. Each volunteer will receive an official volunteer uniform shirt and will be provided with snacks and beverages during their shifts. As a special bonus, individuals who work at least three (3) shifts will receive priority sign-up to volunteer for future NCAA Championship events hosted in Detroit, including the 2018 & 2021 Division I Men's Basketball First and Second Rounds, 2020 Division I Men's Ice Hockey Frozen Four and the 2022 Division I Men's College Wrestling Championships. The deadline to volunteer is Monday, July 24 at 8 a.m.

The AAU Junior Olympic Games expects to attract more than 15,000 athletes and 30,000 spectators. The economic impact is projected to be significant with participants and their families visiting local hotels, shops, restaurants and other Detroit-area businesses. Since 2010, the AAU Junior Olympic Games have brought in more than $50 million per year to previous host destinations.

Celebrating its 51st year, the AAU Junior Olympic Games began on Aug. 21, 1967, when Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey proclaimed the start at the Departmental Auditorium on Constitutional Ave. in Washington D.C. The inaugural event drew 523 youth athletes who competed for national championships in swimming and track and field, establishing 18 AAU records during the event.

Since then, the AAU Junior Olympic Games have been conducted in 19 states and 30 cities across the United States. As one of the premier events in the nation, youth athletes have used the event as the starting point to an ultra-successful professional career. Notable AAU Junior Olympic Games alumni include: Jackie Joyner-Kersee (track and field), Carl Lewis (track and field), Greg Louganis (diving), Kathy McMillan (track and field), Charles Foster (track and field), Robert Griffin III (track and field), Jordy Nelson (track and field) and Ezekiel Elliott (track and field).

The AAU Junior Olympic Games are widely recognized as one of the leading youth events in the country, with the 2014 games most recently being named a finalist as SportsTravel's Best Amateur Multi-Sports Event of the Year.

Visit www.aaujrogames.org for more information about the AAU Junior Olympic Games.