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Onward to Nationals and Beyond PDF Print E-mail
Written by Bob Malowney   
Thursday, 20 August 2009 23:13


Now, after joining together, the AYYA and the NYYL can operate with one powerful engine. We were always headed in the same direction, just not on the same schedule. Now we are linked together as a stronger force to improve the yo-yo scene here in the U.S.

First, the 2009 National Championships will be brought to you for the first time, this year, by the AYYA & NYYL. Everything will be run similar to last year as we complete the transition to give more weight and importance to the regional contest system. To date 80 different players have qualified in the regionals to compete at Nationals. And two regional contest have yet to be completed. Check this site http://www.nationalyoyo.org/contest/2009/qualifiers.php for players names.

Also, we have our first AYYA history video, produced by Miguel Correa and Seth Peterson. It is a ten year retrospective on the development and popularity of yo-yo play evolving from 2A style, to longer-spin styles like 1A, 3A and 5A. The film makers caught on film many of the people responsible for this creative movement. It is a must buy for everyone. Available to order right here - real soon.

Next year will be very important in the world of yo-yo playing and for the AYYA & NYYL. By keeping close association with manufacturers and players worldwide, it is easy to feel the yo-yo community has obtained some kind of critical mass of interested players. This energy grows stronger. The AYYA has always been part of the pioneering activities that have been adopted by other counties associations. Now is time time for more complete worldwide awareness of our sport. And the AYYA will be right there as a leading force.
 
New President PDF Print E-mail
Written by Bob Malowney   
Friday, 03 April 2009 18:27

I am honored to be selected as the incoming president of this association. Since 1988 when the first renewed widespread interest in yo-yos started, I have felt that when people work together, more can be accomplished. In 1993 the AYYA was created through discussions and finally, officially, in a living room after dinner. All these years the goals have been clear, the methods of reaching them, not so much.

So, now, it is my turn to steer a path toward uniting the various interests of a sport we all have in common. I will try to be clear and keep aspirations in line with what we can accomplish.
Last Updated on Friday, 03 April 2009 18:33
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AYYA & NYYL PDF Print E-mail
Written by Bob Malowney   
Thursday, 02 April 2009 23:53

In 1993 the modern yo-yo movement spawned two organizations with similar goals. One took the approach of building a community of people working together to raise the popularity of their quickly changing sport. The other directed its focus on aspects of competitions and the preserving of yo-yo history.

One of those organizations is the American Yo-Yo Association (AYYA), and the other organization grew into the National Yo-Yo League (NYYL). Both broadened their objectives in the intervening years and the overlapping of programs became apparent. The NYYL is a division of the Chico Toy Museum (CTM) a federal non-profit corporation.

The AYYA has benefited by coming under the CTM business entity by saving energy and manpower and creating better program results. 
Last Updated on Thursday, 20 August 2009 23:32
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Board of Directors Voting Results PDF Print E-mail
Written by Thad Winzenz   
Friday, 20 February 2009 22:49

The votes have been tallied and the results are now final.

  1. Augie Fash - 24 votes
  2. Stu Branoff - 23 votes
  3. Chris Allen - 15 votes
  4. Joseph Harris - 15 votes
  5. Richy Nye - 8 votes
By a vote of the current Board of Directors, the Board of Directors will expand from the current 9 members to 11. This means that the three incumbents (Augie, Stu, and Chris) retain their seats on the Board and Joseph and Richy join the Board as well. 

 
Last Updated on Friday, 03 April 2009 18:35
 
Board of Directors Election Bios PDF Print E-mail
Written by Thad Winzenz   
Saturday, 17 January 2009 20:05

Chris Allen:

23 Years ago I threw my first yo-yo, and In knew then that I would need more.  Flash forward 10 years,
and I am playing with a Ball bearing yo-yo for the first time, and knew I would need more.  At a young age in the late 90’s, I managed the Kite Connection yo-yo store at the Irvine Spectrum.  It was the that I started teaching kids how to yo-yo, changed strings, and fixed various yo-yo problems.  It was not long before people were asking for the "yo-yo doctor".  Kids started to pick up on it and, much without me knowing, I was christened Dr. Yo-Yo.  I accepted the name as a joke, but it stuck.   After moving  to Northern California I assisted in promotion for the Lodi Yo-Yo Museum owned by Steve Speegle, and taught a weekly free yo-yo class in Stockton.   After 10 years of small time shows and pick up classes, I found myself back into the yo-yo community where I now help instruct at the Chico Yo-Yo Club, run the recently started YoYoSkills.com Online Magazine, and have filled in as an emergency substitute on the AYYA Board of Directors.   It is my desire to continue to assist in the forward growth of the AYYA as  amember of the Board of Directors.  I have just recently taken the role as Membership Officer, and am currently moving all the membership data to a new database.  If elected to stay on the Board of Directors for the AYYA, I will continue to help move the association towards increaced importance the yoyoing world, focusing on incentives for membership and obtaining funds to allow sponsorship of contests and events.    My idea’s incude ways to re-structure how constests are sponsored to better benefit the players, improving how the AYYA markets itself to the outside world, and creating additional membership incentives for all who with to join.  Beyond that, I just want to promote the sport and art of yo-yoing.

Chris “Dr. Yo-Yo” Allen


Joseph Harris:

"You either lead, follow, or get out of the way."  I'm here to lead and become a part of the solution.  ^_^ My name is Joseph Harris and I am a 21 year old yoyo player who has 11 years of yoyoing under my belt.  I was always in the competitive aspect along with the sales and promotional tours.  However, I have never contributed directly to the yoyo community.  By being a part of the Board of Directors, I have a direct impact on the yoyo community.  Furthermore, I think I will be able to make positive impact given my knowledge and experience.

Here is what is what is on my resume regarding my yoyoing qualifications;

-Performed/presented yoyo demonstrations worldwide
-Promoted yoyo sales at international and domestic vending conventions
-Taught at weekly yoyo classes and organized team members
-Interviewed/performed for local and national media (Honolulu Star Bulletin, Asian Week Magazine, San Francisco Chronicle, ABC)

Achievements from Competitions:

1st Place - 2A Division - 2008 National Yo-Yo Contest
1st Place - Open Division - 2008 California State Yo-Yo Contest
5th Place - 1A Division - 2008 California State Yo-Yo Contest
5th Place - Open Division - 2008 International Yoyo Open Contest
7th Place - 2A Division - 2008 World Yo-Yo Contest
1st Place - 2A Division - 2008 Pacific Northwest Regional Contest
2007 YoyoJam Scholarship Recipient
2006 Most Inspirational Player Award
2001-2003 Hawaii State Champion
6th Place - 2A Division - 2001 World Yo-Yo Contest
2nd Place - 2A Division - 2000 National Yo-Yo Contest
11th Place - 2A Division - 1999 World Yo-Yo Contest
4th Place - 2A Division - 1999 National Yo-Yo Contest

Augie Fash:

Hi guys! 11 years ago I threw my first yoyo. 11 years ago I gave myself a blackeye, a pair of broken glasses, and 1 pair of very damaged fingers… and all I could think about was heading out to recess and trying out the next new trick. Since then, I’ve traveled across the world teaching playing yoyo for competitions, clubs, schools, churches, prisons, and even a touring freakshow. My name is Augie Fash, and yes, I’m a little addicted to our hobby of choice. I’ve been heavily involved in yoyo playing for the last 11 years, and year marks my second time running for the board of directors. In the past 2 years, I’ve assisted in general AYYA Board activities, as well as leading production on the AYYA Caribou Lodge limited edition Bear vs. Man. Through the coming couple years, I will work to make the organization larger, stronger, and more focused on the everyday yoyo player. I’d like to get more players (like you!) involved in the organization through contests, clubs, and including players support and interaction in AYYA projects like newsletter and website. If you have any ideas for improving the organization, feel free to email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , and I’m sure we can cook something up together.... Looking forward to hearing from you!

Cheers mates, Augie
Last Updated on Wednesday, 04 February 2009 18:49
 
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