Junior Olympics
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JO Hosts Needed |
US Sailing's Junior Olympic Program is a nationwide series of regattas for youth ages 8 to 21. Each event in this family of regattas is hosted by a different club or organization, but all events share a common goal: to promote the enjoyment of sailing and development of skills to young sailors as well as provide an Olympic pathway for talented junior sailors.
Events mix Olympic-style competition with elements of learning and fun for all levels--from beginning racers to those with Olympic aspirations. In 2013, 30 events are planned in the continental United States and Hawaii and over 4,500 sailors expected to participate. Junior Olympic Sailing is coordinated by US Sailing and sponsored nationally by West Marine, Gill and Sperry Top-Sider.
Junior Olympic Program Goals
- Engage young people in the excitement of sailing
- Encourage young sailors to enjoy racing
- Increase participation locally, regionally and nationally through USA Junior Olympic Festivals
- Improve skills of young sailors through training
- Define a path for achievement from an early age to adulthood
The Junior Olympic Movement
Sailing is only one of the many sports that offer Junior Olympic programs. Junior Olympic competition is coordinated by the National Governing Bodies (NGB) of each sport and by the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU). The first JO programs date back to the late 1970s and some 40 NGBs in the United States run JO programs or events today. Junior Olympics come under the umbrella of the Olympic movement, for each NGB is a member of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC).