UC Davis organizers of the 2nd Annual West Coast Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Junior Olympic Games are sending out a "come one, come all" invitation to all young athletes to attend and compete in this summer's event on and around the university campus.

The games are expected to double in size this year, as the campus hosts competition in six sports on June 22-July 1. Athletes ages 8-18 are being sought who play the following sports: baseball, boys and girls basketball, diving, jump rope and wrestling. The competitions will take place across the UC Davis campus and throughout the city of Davis.

To attend the games as an athlete, participants must first become a member of the AAU via its Web site and by paying a small fee. After that, athletes can register for the games directly, pay the entry fee, and start practicing for what promises to be a fun week of sports and special events.

On tap for the athletes and their families will be various unique activities to round out their day of activity. These events will include a free movie night at a local theater and an arcade night with free video games and bowling for athletes. "We really want to welcome the athletes to our community" noted Dana Welch, event coordinator for the games. "By including fun things to do before or after competitions, we hope to make the trip memorable for participants, so they'll return in the future and bring more athletes with them."

This is the only national AAU event on the West Coast, offering diverse competition for teams expected to come from as far away as Alaska and Virginia, as well as from across Northern California. In 2006, for example, the games hosted teams from neighboring cities such as Chico, Vacaville, Fairfield, Sacramento, Elk Grove, Santa Rosa and Davis. For most communities, the chance to play against teams from outside the local boundary is a rare and valuable opportunity.

Founded in 1888, the nonprofit AAU boasts the philosophy of "sports for all, forever" and is shared by 550,000 participants nationwide. The AAU boasts many famous alumni, including Peyton Manning, Muhammad Ali and Magic Johnson.

For more information on the West Coast AAU Junior Olympic Games, go to http://www.wcaaujrogames.org.