RALEIGH TO HOST NATION’S TOP KARATE ATHLETES

Written by:  

Lake Buena Vista, FL June 23, 2015 – The nation’s top karate athletes will converge on Raleigh, North Carolina from June 30-Juy 4th for the 2015 AAU Karate National Championships. 

The Raleigh Convention Center will host five (5) days of AAU Karate, all under one roof.  Over 1,600 athletes qualified in their state or regional AAU championships for the chance to bring home a national title. 

“Raleigh is proud to be the 2015 host of the AAU Karate National Championships,” said Tori Collins, Associate Director Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance. “Downtown Raleigh is ready and excited to roll out the red carpet for AAU Karate’s athletes, officials and their families and the Raleigh Convention Center is the perfect venue for this marquee event.” 

Three-hundred and fifty (350) coaches will lend support and guidance to their athletes with over seventy-five (75) of the nation’s top karate officials on hand during the event. 

Local Raleigh Karate club operators, Sensei Steve Robinson and Sensei Cyndy Yu-Robinson have their club, Triangle’s Best Karate, competing in the national event which has become the crown jewel of the karate competition season. 

"Having AAU Nationals in Raleigh is a dream come true for Best Karate dojo," said Stephen Robinson, member of the AAU Referee Council and chief instructor of the host AAU Karate club Triangle's Best Karate. "Every family who embarked on the national quest can compete, while 3,000 of our friends are coming to our hometown!"  

The economic impact to the area is expected to be over $1.5 million with participants and their families visiting local hotels, shops, restaurants and other area businesses.  Over 3,700 total attendees are expected with 4,600 hotel room nights booked.  

“The AAU Karate Nationals Championships epitomize what AAU events are about,” said Dr. Roger Goudy, AAU President/CEO. “Provide quality participation opportunities for athletes & coaches under the management of an experienced staff in a fun atmosphere. This year’s event is sure to be the best yet.” 

The event is open to the public with a day pass cost of $15.00 and can be purchased on-site at the convention center. Seniors and children under 5 are free. Results will be posted at www.aaukarate.org.

For more information on this event, please contact Jennifer Miles, AAU Senior Sports Manager, 407-828-3704,  jennifer@aausports.org or visit www.aaukarate.org.

About AAU
Founded in 1888, the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) is one of the largest, non-profit, volunteer, event organizations in the United States. The “Sports for All, Forever” philosophy is shared by over 670,000 participants. The AAU annually licenses more than 34 sports programs, 250 national championships, and over 30,000 age division events. AAU alumni include LeBron James, Amar’e Stoudemire, Diana Taurasi, and Candace Parker.  A multi-sport organization, the AAU is dedicated exclusively to the development of amateur sports www.aausports.org.