AAU and ISF Create Partnership for Betterment of Youth Athletes

The Amateur Athletic Union and International School Sport Federation have announced a new collaboration with the intent of establishing a global multi-sports event program for youth.

AAU and ISF and will work together to host events for athletes under the age of 15 from across the globe. The goal is to start hosting events in 2024 in Orlando, Florida.

ISF, based in Belgium, is an international non-profit sport organization recognized by the International Olympic Committee to organize world school championships for youth ages six to 18. The organization promotes volunteerism, empowerment, peace, non-discrimination, healthy lifestyles, social inclusion and gender equality. ISF currently consists of 132 member countries from five continents.

“ISF and AAU will combine our extensive youth sports expertise to put on unique events for international athletes that foster an Olympic spirit,” said Jo Mirza, AAU president. “Orlando, the home of AAU, provides an enticing location to host these events. As the most visited destination in the United States, there are plenty of activities and attractions for athletes and their families to enjoy.”

AAU and ISF are committed to an initial objective of 5,000 to 10,000 athletes participating in the inaugural year of the program. The organizations will work to create events that promote physical fitness, offer competitive opportunities, and provide a cultural experience for athletes, parents, and volunteers to create camaraderie with people from other countries.

“The collaboration between AAU and ISF is a unique opportunity to share expertise and to combine efforts for global youth sport promotion and strengthening Olympics values,” said Laurent Petrynka, ISF president.