AAU Cares: Kids Helping Kids
06/25/2019
Since 2016, AAU Gymnastics has promoted 'Kids Helping Kids' as part of the overall AAU Cares program.
The AAU Gymnastics Age Group National Championships returned to ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex June 13 - 16. The competition was fierce as athletes competed for the chance at a national title.
More importantly, athletes gave back to those in need off the competition floor. Since 2016, AAU Gymnastics has promoted 'Kids Helping Kids' as part of the overall AAU Cares initiative.
"AAU Cares is the AAU's way of giving back to the communities in which our events are hosted," said Joe Gura, AAU Second Vice-President & AAU Cares Director. "It is our hope to develop not only athletic skills but also a sense of social responsibility in athletes competing in AAU programs."
The program was established by the AAU Gymnastics National Committee in conjunction with the AAU Cares Program to encourage athletes involved in the national championship to “give back” to those less fortunate. A total of $27,000 has been given to select charities through Kids Helping Kids since 2016.
"It is our effort to make all gymnasts understand the importance of giving back," said Liz Nichols, AAU Gymnastics National Chair. "We want them to understand that no act of kindness, no matter how small is ever wasted."
Each year, a charity is selected to support. Athletes are encouraged to participate by taking part in a “Shoe Box Decorating” project. They decorate shoe boxes in a theme, then proceed to collect small change throughout the season and bring to nationals. The hope is by collecting this small change overtime, it adds up to to “BIG CHANGE” in the lives of others
Teams bring their shoe boxes to nationals and the AAU Gymnastics Committee matches any money raised. Additional funds are also raised by selling an AAU National Championship pin for a small donation with 100% of donations used to support the chosen charity.
"It is a simple concept, small change united can make BIG CHANGE," said Liz Nichols, AAU Gymnastics National Chair. "It is promoting understand and compassion through giving back to others at our national championships."
For more on AAU gymnastics, visit www.aaugymnastics.org
More importantly, athletes gave back to those in need off the competition floor. Since 2016, AAU Gymnastics has promoted 'Kids Helping Kids' as part of the overall AAU Cares initiative.
"AAU Cares is the AAU's way of giving back to the communities in which our events are hosted," said Joe Gura, AAU Second Vice-President & AAU Cares Director. "It is our hope to develop not only athletic skills but also a sense of social responsibility in athletes competing in AAU programs."
The program was established by the AAU Gymnastics National Committee in conjunction with the AAU Cares Program to encourage athletes involved in the national championship to “give back” to those less fortunate. A total of $27,000 has been given to select charities through Kids Helping Kids since 2016.
"It is our effort to make all gymnasts understand the importance of giving back," said Liz Nichols, AAU Gymnastics National Chair. "We want them to understand that no act of kindness, no matter how small is ever wasted."
Each year, a charity is selected to support. Athletes are encouraged to participate by taking part in a “Shoe Box Decorating” project. They decorate shoe boxes in a theme, then proceed to collect small change throughout the season and bring to nationals. The hope is by collecting this small change overtime, it adds up to to “BIG CHANGE” in the lives of others
Teams bring their shoe boxes to nationals and the AAU Gymnastics Committee matches any money raised. Additional funds are also raised by selling an AAU National Championship pin for a small donation with 100% of donations used to support the chosen charity.
"It is a simple concept, small change united can make BIG CHANGE," said Liz Nichols, AAU Gymnastics National Chair. "It is promoting understand and compassion through giving back to others at our national championships."
For more on AAU gymnastics, visit www.aaugymnastics.org
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