Detroit To Host AAU Junior Olympic Games In Summer 2013, July 24 - August 4

Largest amateur multi-sport youth events in the United States estimated to deliver $50 million in economic impact to the region

DETROIT, Sept. 21, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Detroit Sports Commission (DSC) in partnership with the Detroit Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau announced today that Detroit will be the host city for the 2013 Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Junior Olympic Games set to be held July 24-August 3.

"We are proud to host the AAU Junior Olympic Games for a third time," Dave Beachnau, DSC executive director said. "AAU has been a great friend to the DSC over the years and we look forward to continuing our relationship with them. As it has done in years past, the event delivers a significant economic boost to the local economy. From hotels to restaurants to shopping malls, everyone will receive a nice shot in the arm from the visitors in town."

Held annually throughout the United States, Detroit last hosted the games in 2003 and 2008, and is one of five cities in a rotation to host the games through 2016. Other sites include Des Moines, Iowa; Houston, Texas; New Orleans, La.; and Hampton Roads, Va.

The event expects to attract more than 50,000 people, including 18,500 athletes and coaches, venturing to the Motor City from across the United States. With an estimated 32,000 spectators, the economic impact for the metro Detroit region is estimated at more than $50 million.

The events, 20 in all, range from team sports, including wrestling, field hockey, jump rope and sport stacking to individual competitions, such as track and field, gymnastics, weightlifting, swimming, table tennis, karate and taekwondo.

"We are very thrilled to bring the event back to Detroit for a third time," Paul Campbell, AAU Junior Olympic Games national chair said. "The metro Detroit area has very much to offer our participants. We look forward to seeing our athletes, coaches and fans in Detroit next summer. Detroit does it better."

While Cobo Center will house most of the events, track and field, which features 10,500 athletes, will take place at Eastern Michigan University's Rynearson Stadium. The event has been called the largest track and field meet in the world.

For more information regarding the AAU Junior Olympic Games, visit http://aaujrogames.com or http://detroitsports.org.

SOURCE Detroit Sports Commission

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