ORLANDO, Fla. (October 24, 2022) – Longtime AAU volunteer and national officer, J.B. (Jo) Mirza, was elected as the 49^th President of the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) on October 22^nd during the 128^th AAU National Convention in Orlando, Florida. President Mirza has dedicated more than five (5) decades of service at the local, national, and international levels to the AAU, the oldest and largest amateur sports organization in the nation.
 
“It is my sincerest wish to continue to contribute and serve this organization that I have belonged to the majority of my life,” said J.B. (Jo) Mirza, AAU President. “I am appreciative to have worked in service to the AAU with the previous officer group. There is no past AAU officer, volunteer or member - we will always be part of the current AAU family.”
 
President Mirza got his start in the sport of karate in 1972 as an athlete, competing in the Central AAU Association (now District). His roles with the AAU have been many throughout the years including AAU Karate National Chair, District AAU Governor (Central and Florida Gold Coast), and District Lieutenant Governor (Central) as well as instructor, official, and dedicated volunteer.
 
“I have served and participated in almost every capacity and level imaginable in the AAU,” said J.B. (Jo) Mirza, AAU President. “I have been a competitor, a coach, a referee, as well as an administrator.”
 
In 1987, President Mirza was recognized for his many efforts on behalf of the AAU Karate program, winning election as AAU Karate National Chair, a position he has held ever since.
 
Elected as AAU National Treasurer in 2014 and 2018 respectively, President Mirza served with the previous AAU national officer group, and has been a member of the AAU Board of Directors since 1994.
 
“My dedication to the AAU is only eclipsed by my advocacy for instilling a sense of responsibility and best practices [for the AAU]”, said J.B. (Jo) Mirza, AAU President. “Sports, and the AAU, are indispensable, reaffirming our communal and social values.”
 
 
The entirety of the AAU Family welcomes President Mirza as he looks to the future and work together towards realizing all the possibilities and opportunities available to the Union.