Refer to this page for the most updated press releases and event information.

If you would like to be on our media list, please contact Denise Stokes at 972-292-5256 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

What is TAAF, What are the Games of Texas, Economic impact, Fact Sheet

What is TAAF?

Since 1925, the Texas Amateur Athletic Federation, a nonprofit organization, has worked to promote and organize amateur recreational athletics for youth and adults in the state of Texas. TAAF’s membership is comprised of municipal parks and recreation departments and other organizations that contribute time and energy to support this endeavor.

In addition to sponsoring 60-70 state tournaments for youth and adults in multiple sports, TAAF has sponsored the Games of Texas, annually since 1986.

TAAF also has taken the lead to establish a premier Youth Sports Coaches’ Certification Program, which provides a coach’s manual, training, criminal background check and personal liability insurance. Additionally, TAAF has created a Parents Training Program that emphasizes the importance of sportsmanship, fair play and proper behavior in the stands. These two programs ensure a safe competitive environment for developing self-esteem and lifelong love of athletics and fitness.

What is the Winter Games of Texas?

The Winter Games of Texas is the ultimate amateur athletic sports festival for Texas’ many amateur athletes. Established in 1986 as the Summer Games, the Games are patterned after the Olympic Games and U.S. Olympic Sports Festivals. The Games provide a forum for training and competition among Texas’ own Olympic hopefuls as well as both youth and adult recreational athletes, with participants’ ages ranging from 6 to 70. The inaugural Winter Games of Texas was held in 2006 in Frisco, Texas.

Economic Impact

More than 15,000 spectators attended the 2010 Winter Games of Texas, in addition to over 4,000 event participants. These spectators and athletes stayed at local hotels, dined at restaurants in Frisco and Collin County, and visited other area attractions. The economic impact of the Games was over $2.25 million, and again, the City of Frisco expects to attain an even higher level in 2011.

The Winter Games of Texas Fact Sheet

• The Winter Games of Texas is three days of athletic events from January 14-16, 2011. 
• More than 4,500 Texas athletes are expected to compete in 14 sporting events.
• Estimated $2.5 million economic activity impact for the City of Frisco and surrounding areas for 2011. 
• The 2011 Winter Games of Texas sports include basketball, bowling, figure skating, flag football, gymnastics, ice hockey, karate, soccer, fencing, swimming, table tennis, volleyball, and wrestling.  
• Participants range from 5-year-olds to adults.
• Medal winners in certain sports in the Winter Games of Texas are eligible to advance and participate at the national level in the State Games of America, taking place August 4-7, 2011 in San Diego, California.
• The Winter Games of Texas was first held in Frisco in 2006.  The Summer Games of Texas were first held in San Antonio in 1986.
• The 2010 Winter Games of Texas brought 15,000+ total spectators, athletes and guests to the City of Frisco and Collin County. 
• The Texas Amateur Athletic Federation (TAAF) is a nonprofit organization established in 1925 to promote, organize and conduct amateur athletics in Texas.
• TAAF’s membership is comprised of parks and recreation departments, individuals, and other organizations that contribute time and energy to support amateur athletics. 
• TAAF consists of 17 regions throughout Texas. Each year TAAF registers between 12,000 and 15,000 teams and approximately 250,000 athletes.