By: Troy MacNeill

ORLANDO, Fla. (February 22, 2023) – AAU Baton Twirling and AAU Fencing came together to host the inaugural AAU President’s Day Cup on February 17-19 in Orlando, Florida. The Orange County Convention Center was home to the multi-sport event with athletes traveling from various states, and some coming from as far as the United Kingdom.
 
Fencing saw 89 athletes come to compete in 134 event competitions total. Baton Twirling brought in 140 athletes with 157 individual events and 35 team events. Baton Twirling brought twirlers from elementary school age all the way up to adults. Fencers ranged from a 6 & under division and went up to Junior (20 and under).
 


Winners in Baton Twirling left the Orange County Convention Center will Gold Cups to go along with AAU Gold, Silver, or Bronze medals, awarded to the top finishers. In Fencing, Gold, Silver, and 2 Bronze medals were awarded to the top four (4) finishers. To go along with medals, the event awarded national FLA points that will help fencers’ national rankings to determine who will represent AAU in the Rio de Janeiro Gymnasiade 2023 (Y14).
 


To go along with the events, a Girls and Women’s Summit was held where educational classes were given by various instructors. Following competition each day, there were classes featuring educators who taught valuable lessons in: health and wellness, fitness, self-defense, journaling, hair and make-up, dance, and baton twirling judging tips. The purpose of the summit was to empower girls and women with knowledge that will have a positive effect on their future.
 
“We had a wonderful event and we are looking forward to hosting it again next year during President's weekend,” said Maria Cortes, AAU Baton National Executive Committee Member.
 


Thank you to everyone who traveled and competed. And congratulations to all of the athletes who walked away with some AAU hardware. We hope to continue to grow the numbers with more multi-sport events each year for the AAU President’s Day Cup.