HOUSTON—The Amateur Athletic Union on Tuesday announced that Houston will host the 2012 Junior Olympics.

The AAU Junior Olympic Games feature competitions in a wide variety of sports, including aquatics, baton twirling, cheerleading, dance, fencing, power lifting, gymnastics, beach volleyball, golf and more.

The Games have been held in 19 states and 30 cities across the United States.

The AAU is a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to the promotion and development of amateur sports and physical fitness programs.

The 2009 Junior Olympics will be held in Des Moines.

Houston also put in a bid to host the international Olympic Games in 2012 but was eliminated from contention.