MEDIA RELEASE

Newport News Tourism Development Office • Fountain Plaza Two • 700 Town Center Drive Suite 320 Newport News VA • 757-926-1400 • Toll Free 888-493-7389 • Fax 757-926-1441 • www.newport-news.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: February 24, 2010 Media Contact: Meghan Lee Media & Graphic Specialist 757-926-1479 or 888-493-7386 [email protected]

Newport News, Virginia and Hosts 2010 AAU Junior

Newport News, Va. – The City of Newport News is excited to welcome over a thousand athletes in the upcoming AAU Junior Olympics Games, July 29 – August 7, 2010. Newport News will hold the registration/check-in for all of the Peninsula athletes and host two sports, and , at the Brittingham-Midtown Community Center, as well as, the Athletes' Celebration event at City Center at Oyster Point.

Overall, the 2010 AAU Junior Olympic Games will feature 20 different sports that will take place in a variety of venues throughout Hampton Roads, including Newport News, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Hampton and Chesapeake. This marks the fourth time that Hampton Roads has hosted the Games. Previous Games took place in 1998, 2001 and 2006. The 1998 and 2001 Games had over 15,000 athletes, coaches, parents and spectators in attendance; the 2006 Games had over 30,000 in participation and attendance.

What does this mean for Newport News and Hampton Roads? The largest multi-sport youth event in the country bringing in a gross economic impact of $47.8 million for the area.

“These exciting numbers in our community bring in numerous opportunities and give us the chance to showcase our exceptional event venues,” Cheryl Morales, group marketing manager for the Newport News Tourism Development Office, “We are excited for the opportunity to host these events and to feature our hospitable hotels, restaurants and entertaining attractions to all of these young athletes and their families.”

- more - With Newport News, Virginia's central location, it is the ideal destination for sporting events, meetings, reunions, conventions and more. To arrange for your AAU Junior Olympic accommodations, press passes or for more information, contact Cheryl Morales at 757-926- 1428, toll-free at 888-493-7386 or by e-mail at [email protected].

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