Hundreds of divers representing Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) teams will compete Aug. 3-8 at the Forest Park Aquatic Center in Noblesville.
The 2020 competition was originally set to take place in San Antonio, Texas, but was forced to change venues in light of COVID-19 restrictions on public gatherings. Forest Park Aquatic Center – an outdoor venue with space to be socially distant – is as ideal a location as possible for AAU Diving. To support the promotion and hosting of the event, the Team Indiana (formerly Sports Indiana, the non-profit organization for sport tourism representatives now managed by Indiana Sports Corp) grant committee awarded $10,000 to the AAU Diving National Championships.
“This announcement is truly a silver lining in what has been a pretty cloudy year for all of us, and amateur sports in particular,” said Greg Conner, vice president of the not-for-profit Friends of Central Pool which operates the Forest Park Aquatic Center. “We are grateful for the opportunity to host this event and provide our nation’s most talented age-group divers an opportunity to compete at the highest level.”
On June 24, AAU Diving toured the Forest Park Aquatic Center, met with community leaders and said were very pleased with the outdoor facility and the commitment to make the health and safety of the athletes and their families the priority.
“AAU Diving is excited to be holding our annual National Championship meet in Noblesville,” said Joe Chirico, AAU Diving Program Director. “The Forest Park Aquatic Center is one of the best outdoor facilities in the United States. Better than any collegiate outdoor pool. AAU Diving has been extremely impressed and grateful for the local organizing committee not only for rolling out the red carpet but for their speed and organizational skills.”
Mayor Chris Jensen concurred, and says the city is excited AAU has chosen Noblesville.
“As a community we are anxious to show AAU Diving what Hoosier hospitality is all about,” Jensen said. “The Forest Park Aquatic Center is an awesome venue that our city is lucky to have. Many wonderful improvements have been made to the facility over the past year, and it’s only fitting that we have an opportunity to showcase them.”
Myers
Jensen
Meanwhile, Hamilton County Tourism President and CEO Brenda Myers anticipates that the event will provide an economic lift to not only Noblesville, but also Hamilton County and Central Indiana.
“More than 20 percent of tourism spending at our local restaurants and hotels comes from visitors participating and watching competitive sports,” Myers said. “This is an opportunity to safely host a prestigious event and support local businesses.”
“Ensuring the public health and safety of our visitors, athletes and spectators is something we are taking very seriously especially given the current pandemic,” Conner said. “Mayor Jensen has been extremely helpful, and we can’t thank him enough for his leadership and support. We are working very closely with Noblesville Public Safety, Police and Fire to have a very comprehensive plan in place.”
Practice sessions for divers will be held Aug. 1 and 2, with competition beginning Aug. 3. Regular admission to the pool will provide an opportunity to watch these young athletes in action as well as enjoy the newly renovated FPAC facilities. Additional details regarding specific events and times continue to develop, as well as suggested health protocols. Visit visithamiltoncounty.com/aau-diving for details. For more information on Forest Park Aquatic Center, visit forestparkpool.org.