AAU SPOTLIGHT: MIAMI GARDENS XPRESS

Founded in 2005, Miami Gardens Xpress—a not-for-profit track and field youth organization working with under resourced athletes between the ages of 5-18—is currently the number one track and field organization in the nation, with 250 members from Miami-Dade County excelling both athletically and academically.  Since its inception, MGX’s sole purpose has been to get local kids off of the streets by providing them an alternative outlet in track and field; and through track and field to instill in them qualities such as discipline, hard work and dedication— all assets that will serve them well beyond their time in the classroom.

Despite humble beginnings and lack of proper training facilities, MGX continues to exceed expectations by steadfastly placing 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in regional, state and national competition circuits such as the ESPN AAU National Club Championships and Junior AAU Junior Olympic Games. These accolades include 2013 ESPN AAU National Club Champs, 11 Middle School State Records, 8 AAU Junior Olympic Records, 20 AAU ESPN Club National Records, 1 USATF Junior Olympic Record, 1 New Balance Outdoors Championship in the 400 meters.

Currently, MGX has members breaking records on the international level, with competitions taking place in countries such as Colombia (2015 World Youth), Canada (2015 PanAmerican Games), Martinique (2014 Carifta Games) and Cayman Island; as well as throughout the continental United States. One of MGX's athletes has gone as far as to break 2 of Usain Bolt's records, at the age of 16, while competing overseas.

Former MGX members have gone on to receive degrees from prestigious institutions, such as the University of Louisville, Bethune-Cookman, the University of Tennessee, Clemson and the University of Nebraska.

For more information, please visit www.miamigardensxpress.com.