CAPITAL CITY STRIDERS

YOUTH TRACK AND FIELD

Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 3, 2022

CONTACT: Leslie Smithson (leslie.smithson@charlestonwv.com), 304-546-0046

Charleston to Host AAU Track and Field Championship

1,200 athletes to compete June 16-19, 2022

Charleston, W.Va. - The Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau, along with a coalition of partners, announced today that the city will welcome the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Region 4 Track and Field Championship to Laidley Field June 16-19. More than 1200 athletes, ages 8-18, are expected to compete, bringing more than 4,000 attendees to Charleston. Region 4 includes Ohio, Pennsylvania, parts of New Work, and West Virginia. Athletes who place at this meet will be eligible to compete at the AAU National Championships in North Carolina.

“This AAU Regional Meet exemplifies a winning formula,” said Tim Brady, President and CEO of the Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau. “A passionate group of local residents made the initial inquiry and, with the support of the city, the County, The CVB and a host of other organizations, secured this event for Charleston. The ultimate outcome is an event that will have a multi-million-dollar economic impact on our local economy. Working together, we do great things.”

“The City of Charleston is proud to host the AAU Region 4 Track and Field Championship and welcome over a thousand competitors and their families and friends,” said Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin. “The economic impact of youth sports is monumental for our region, and we are thankful for the many partners that have come together to make this possible.”

The organizing partners for this special event are a broad coalition and include the Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau, Capital City Striders, Kanawha Valley Track and Field Officials Association, University of Charleston Laidley Field, West Virginia National Guard, WOWK-TV 13, City of Charleston, Kanawha County Commission, and Kanawha Valley Regional Transportation Authority.

The Kanawha County Commission issued the following joint statement: “We are excited to have the AAU Track and Field Competition in Kanawha County. The event will bring athletes and their families to our area in June and bring an economic boost for hotels, restaurants, and local businesses. Good luck to all the athletes!”

“I’ve coached high school sports for many years, so I know how much these kinds of major competitions mean to those young athletes and their families,” said West Virginia Governor Jim Justice. “I’m incredibly proud that the best of the best of the amateur track and field athletes from our region will be putting their skills to the test in our capital city. I know we will roll out the welcome wagon and make sure the fine folks with the AAU have everything they need to make their regional championship a success. This event will truly be a win for all West Virginians because of the tremendous positive impact it will have on the local economy. The athletes and their families will be staying in our hotels, going out to eat, shopping, and more. I encourage all participants, coaches, trainers, and fans to get out while they’re here and experience the unmatched beauty we have in West Virginia.”

“It’s welcome news that Charleston has been selected to host the 2022 AAU Track and Field Championship! West Virginia has a proud history of involvement in Track and Field competition, as the National Track and Field Hall of Fame was founded in Putnam County in 1976. I’m proud to see that tradition continue with today’s announcement,” United States Senator Shelley Capito said. “I send my best wishes for those competing in June, and hope all in attendance enjoy the wonderful experiences our capital city has to offer.”

United States Senator Joe Manchin said, ”I am pleased that so many organizations have come together to host this major event in West Virginia. This summer, Charleston will host numerous large tournaments, festivals, and conferences that will highlight how wonderful our state truly is. I commend all athletes who are competing in this regional AAU Track and Field meet and thank the coaches and supporters who will cheer them on. It is so special that the Mountain State is hosting an event where the winners will go on to compete at the national competition. I look forward to our West Virginia athletes making us proud.

Capital City Striders Coach Chip Ferrell said, “The athletes, coaches, and supporters of the Capital City Striders look forward to working with all of our partners and state officials to make the AAU Region 4 Track and Field Championship a success. Together, we will host a great meet that will make runners want to keep coming back to our state. Finally, I know that the talented athletes of the Capital City Striders will make West Virginia proud, which will make this meet even more special.”

Doug Carte, Facility Manager at Laidley Field, added, “Kanawha County Schools is honored to have Laidley Field Selected as host field for this Region 4 AAU event.

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