WATCH: 2020 AAU Junior Olympic Games Underway

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. - The 2020 AAU Junior Olympic Games Track and Field Competition took place Wednesday at Satellite High School.

The 2020 AAU Junior Olympic Games are a collaboration between the AAU, Space Coast Office of Tourism, Governor Ron DeSantis, Florida Sports Foundation, School Board of Brevard County, Brevard County Board of County Commissioners, and the Sunshine State Games to provide participation athletic opportunities to a diverse athlete and coach demographic.

Since 1967, the Games have provided thousands of athletes, from across the nation, the chance to compete for a gold medal and make memories to last a lifetime.

Events and locations are locked in with numerous venues and facilities across Brevard County readying for the arrival of athletes, parents and coaches.

“The turnaround for this event has been quick and would not have been possible without your continued support,” said AAU Vice President Rusty Buchanan.

“A few weeks ago, event registration opened up and the athletes quickly followed suit.”

Bringing the event to Florida will provide a positive economic impact to the Space Coast area of at least $3 million to $3.5 million from upwards of 10,000 hotels room nights, restaurants and other local businesses benefiting from an influx of 2,000 to 3,000 athletes, coaches, parents and their families to the area from in-state and out-of-state.

“We’re absolutely thrilled that we’re getting this opportunity,” Space Coast Office of Tourism Executive Director Peter Cranis said.

“The timing of it couldn’t be any better.”