OPENING CEREMONY & DAY 1 COMPETITION

ORLANDO, Fla (June 15, 2017) - The 44th AAU Girls' Junior National Volleyball Championships are now underway!

Over the next 12 days, 2438 teams across 33 divisions from across the country will compete for the chance at a national title. The international division features teams from China, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Israel, Germany and Slovenia. 
 

The twelve-day event has held the title of largest volleyball event in the world since 2012 when the 16U Club division set the current Guinness Book of World Records mark. It attracts an estimated 80,000 spectators, 9,000 coaches and 500 college coaches and takes place on 172 courts between ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and Orange County Convention Center.

The official kick off to the tournament was held last night with the opening ceremonies in Champions Stadium at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.  The light drizzle of rain did not put a damper on the enthusiasm of the athletes in attendance. Watch here on Facebook. Check out Opening Ceremony photos on Facebook here.

Five-time Olympian and gold medal winner Carl Lewis was in attendance and spoke to the athletes, parents and coaches in attendance.

Game action began Thursday morning for the 10, 11, 12 Open, 12 Club, 12 Classic, 13 Open, 13 Premier, 13 Club, 13 Classic, 14 Open, 14 Premier, 14 Club, 14 Aspire, 14 Classic divisions.  Be sure and catch the livestream of championship courts 41 and 42throughout the tournament.

Sport stacking is again being held in conjunction with the nationals today through Sunday, June 18th. 

Also, don't forget to stop by the social media zone in the North Concourse.  Be sure to check our Facebook page throughout the day for your chance to win a FREE T-Shirt.
Back again this year is AAU Cares. Tomorrow, Friday, June 16 from 1:00pm - 4:00pm approximately 80,000 meals will be packed by players, coaches and officials for the under privileged in the Central Florida area.

New for this year are the Dig Pink Days (June 17, 21, and 25) in support of breast cancer awareness. Be sure and wear your pink those days.

For schedule & results, click here.

Follow us on Facebook: AAU Volleyball, Twitter: @AAUVolleyball and Instagram:@AAUVolleyball