The AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) Junior Olympic Games originated from small track and field events held in a few states. The first games consisted of under ten sports and around 500 athletes. Currently, the games are held in the United States, have been played in 19 cities and by youth participants from over 200 countries.

Around 200 countries and 3,600 athletes annually participate in the joint Summer Olympics. Athletes will be placed in a select age group based on how old they are by December 31, the range of the participants is between 14 to 18 years of age.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the YOG (Youth Olympic Games) were canceled due to the lack of safety, but this year they are scheduled to be held in Houston, Texas and between July 28 and August 7. There are 50 different activities during the summer, while in winter there are only 15, but there is one additional type of game. It is a historical court sport played with rackets or bats called Basque Pelota.

Many of the games that are in the adult Olympics are also included in the YOG. The Junior Olympic games consist of a range of sports varying from cup stacking and solving Rubix cubes to fencing and archery. According to many sources, the Junior Olympic games will only have team sports this year due to the coronavirus and the new rules based on it.

All in all, the youth Olympic games are mini Olympic games for teens that want to become well known or win a medal. The games are a great way to meet new people, while also being competitive, and have fun participating in many different sports. Stay safe eagles!