Houston Set to Host 2025 AAU Junior Olympic Games: Nation’s Largest Youth Sports Event Returns July 22–August 2
The city of Houston is preparing to welcome more than 16,000 young athletes from across the country as it hosts the 59th AAU Junior Olympic Games from July 22 to August 2, 2025. Marking its fourth time as host, the city is partnering with the Harris County - Houston Sports Authority (HCHSA) and the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) to stage the nation’s largest multi-sport youth event at five venues throughout the Greater Houston area.
This major sporting event will feature competition in over a dozen disciplines, including track and field, swimming, flag football, gymnastics, martial arts, and more. With athletes ranging in age from 8 to 18, the Junior Olympic Games offer a national stage for rising sports stars and a unique opportunity for Houston to showcase its world-class sports infrastructure.
“We are so excited to bring our premier event back to Houston,” said AAU President Jo Mirza. “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.”
AAU Junior Olympic Games Schedule & Venues
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Swimming: July 22–27 at Cy-Fair Natatorium
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Indoor Sports (including Cheerleading, Gymnastics, Wrestling & more): July 23–30 at George R. Brown Convention Center
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Flag Football: July 24–27 at Rice Stadium
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Track & Field / Multi-Events: July 26–August 2 at Turner Stadium
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Field Hockey: July 28–31 at Episcopal High School
This summer marks Houston’s fourth time hosting the AAU Junior Olympic Games—having done so in 2012, 2016, and 2021—and the city is already confirmed to host again in 2027 and 2031.
Ryan Walsh, CEO of the Harris County - Houston Sports Authority, emphasized the economic and community impact of the event: “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. 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.”
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Sports Tourism and Economic Impact in Houston
The AAU Junior Olympic Games are more than just a sports spectacle—they are a driver of sports tourism and local economic growth. Since 2019, sporting events hosted through HCHSA have generated more than $1.2 billion in economic impact for the Houston-Harris County region. The 2025 Games are expected to bring tens of thousands of visitors, filling hotel rooms, supporting local businesses, and boosting tourism-related tax revenues.
The HCHSA’s funding model relies not on local property taxes, but on hotel occupancy and motor vehicle rental taxes. These revenues help manage stadium debt and fund future sporting events, enhancing Houston’s reputation as a premier sports destination. To date, HCHSA has paid over $1.5 billion toward stadium debt since 1997.
A Platform for Champions, A Legacy of Access
Founded in 1888, the AAU has long been a launching pad for amateur athletes, fostering athletic development and character building through its guiding philosophy of “Sports For All, Forever.” Today, the organization serves nearly 800,000 members and hosts events in more than 45 sports disciplines nationwide.
Signature programs such as the AAU Cares initiative and Urban Initiative continue to make a meaningful impact, bringing sports and mentorship opportunities to historically underserved communities.
As the 2025 Games approach, families, coaches, and fans can find full details—including ticketing and schedules—at aaujrogames.org and houstonsports.org.
From first-time competitors to Olympic hopefuls, the AAU Junior Olympic Games offer something for everyone—and this summer, Houston will once again take center stage.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
