NEW YORK (Sept. 12, 2024) – More than 80 youth 3-on-3 basketball teams will be taking over Times Square as part of the second annual AAU City Challenge on September 14-15. Boys and girls from second grade through 12^th grade will be showcasing their talents on five half courts from 46^th to 48^th streets.
 
The event is part of the AAU Cares - Urban Initiative Program, which strives to provide participation opportunities for historically underserved youth. The AAU has partnered with the NYPD to help make sports more accessible and teach important life skills and character development for children and teenagers.
 
“The NYPD and Chief Jeffrey Maddrey have been key collaborators in expanding the AAU Urban Initiative and making our Times Square Takeover a success,” said Jo Mirza, AAU President. “We’re looking forward to introducing multiple sports to young local athletes during this two-day event.”
 
In addition to basketball, there will be demonstrations of other AAU sports including gymnastics, trampoline and tumbling, karate, and taekwondo.
 
As an important part of the AAU Cares - Urban Initiative, the gymnastics equipment and basketballs will be donated to the NYPD’s Chief of Department and city rec centers to provide essential equipment to help children grow their love of various sports.
 
Click here for photos and videos from 2023’s event.

 
ABOUT THE AAU:
The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) is one of the largest, non-profit, volunteer sports event organizations in the country. As a multi-sport organization, the AAU is dedicated exclusively to the promotion and development of amateur sports programs. Founded in 1888 to establish standards and uniformity in sports, the AAU philosophy of “Sports For All, Forever” is now shared by nearly 800,000 members and 150,000 volunteers across 45 sports programs and 55 U.S. districts. For more information, visit www.aausports.org.