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Last Updated: Friday, 14 September 2018 07:22

Melvin "Mel" Parker Award

Written by Rev. Antoinette DuBose

The deadline for the 2018 Award Nominations is October 06, 2018. 

The Maryland District of the Amateur Athletic Union of the United States, Inc. (MD/AAU) annually recognizes the memory, the many leadership contributions, and coaching accomplishments of the late Mr. Melvin “Mel” Parker.

A longtime coach of boys’ and girls’ basketball, Melvin “Mel” Parker contributed significantly to the advancement of amateur athletics in Maryland. This is attested to by his 10-year tenure as President of the Maryland District of the Amateur Athletic Union and 10 years in leadership roles with the Peninsula Athletic League as basketball chairman and coach.

The Melvin “Mel” Parker Award is awarded annually to the top male and female athlete who achieves a high standard of performance in AAU sanctioned district, regional, or national competition and in recognition of their commitment and achievement in their chosen sport. The award is presented to top two (2) individuals, male and female, in the age categories of:


The athlete may have participated in an individual or team sport. The honor was conceived as a way to focus attention on their participation in athletics, school and community activities, and qualities of leadership, character, and sportsmanship.

The awardees are honored at the Annual Maryland AAU Outstanding Athletes, Coaches and Volunteers Awards Banquet. The MD/AAU Sports Awards Banquet Committee invites athletes, coaches, volunteers, and others to nominate applicants. The deadline for submitting applications is October 6th.


For additional information, download the 2018 MEL PARKER APPLICATION PACKAGE (PDF)(Updated 9/3/18), which includes Award Nomination information, Procedures & Applications, the Mel Parker story and more!