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(Des Moines, IA) – Thousands of athletes from across the country are in Des Moines compete in the 60th Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Junior Olympic Games.
The competition is the largest multi-sport event for youth in the United States and is expected to include nearly 15,500 athletes and coaches. Catch Des Moines estimates the 12-day event will bring a $45 million direct economic boost to hotels, restaurants, and shops throughout the Des Moines metro area as thousands visit the city to attend or compete in the AAU Junior Olympic Games.
The event features 16 different sporting events that will be held at various locations throughout the Des Moines metro and beyond. Locations hosting sporting events include:
- The MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex
- Drake Stadium
- The Wellmark YMCA
- The Hy-Vee Multiplex
- Grant Field at the University of Iowa
The 60th AAU Junior Olympic Games runs from July 27th through August 8th. It's the 8th time Iowa has hosted the event and the first time since 2023. The games will return to Des Moines in 2030.
The full schedule of events is available on the AAU Junior Olympic Games website, and more information on the local impact of the event, including opportunities to volunteer, can be found on the Catch Des Moines website.