ORLANDO, Fla. (October 16, 2023) - NYPD Chief of Department, Chief Jeffrey Maddrey, was recently honored as the AAU Humanitarian of the Year. The award was presented in conjunction with the 93^rd James E. Sullivan Award ceremony held at the historic New York Athletic Club in mid-September.

The AAU Humanitarian of the Year recognizes the person who personifies the AAU’s philosophy of “Sports for All, Forever” by making positive impacts in their community through sport. Chief Maddrey received the award for his outstanding service and dedication to the AAU and the AAU Urban Initiative Program.

“Thank you for the opportunity,” said Chief Maddrey. “Through this partnership, this platform, I was able to pull together resources and create this opportunity to start bringing young boys and girls together.”

The AAU Urban Initiative was created in 2015 to provide participation opportunities to urban environments that were historically under served. The initiative partners the AAU with local law enforcement, faith-based groups, area businesses, and other groups who work hand-in-hand to bring together communities through sports in service to America’s youth.

Chief Maddrey has been instrumental in developing the AAU Urban Initiative Program in the New York City area over the past five years, lending his time and efforts to growing AAU youth sport programs for those who may not have had the opportunity to participate otherwise.

“We hosted an incredible event in the inaugural 3v3 AAU basketball tournament,” said Jo Mirza, AAU President. “Imagine as a young person playing basketball in Times Square. These athletes will never forget that and this is directly because of Chief Maddrey’s vision.”

Chief Maddrey’s vision and support of AAU’s Urban Initiative Program is exemplified by the inaugural AAU 3v3 Basketball Tournament in Times Square. Hosted in conjunction with the NYPD and NYC Mayor’s Office, girls and boys teams had the opportunity to compete in a weekend long event in the heart of Times Square. This once-in-a-lifetime basketball event would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of Chief Maddrey and the NYPD who volunteered as referees, scoreboard managers as well as coached teams.



Plans are already underway to host the event in 2024. To learn more about the AAU Urban Initiative, click here.