AUBURN, Ala.- The community is invited to show their support for Lee County Special Olympics athletes at a send-off celebration on Friday, May 23.

A dedicated group athletes in the Lee County Special Olympics program will compete in the State Games in Troy, Alabama, May 23-24. Athletes and volunteers will travel by bus on Friday, May 23, to compete in aquatics, athletics (track and field), bowling and golf. This year's games carry special significance as they serve as qualifiers for the 2026 National Games. Athletes earning first-place finishes at the State Games will be eligible for selection to compete at the National Games in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The community is invited to cheer on the athletes as they prepare to depart for the games at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 23, at the parking lot behind the home side of Duck Samford Stadium off East Glenn Avenue. Participants are encouraged to gather between 10:15-10:30 a.m. to send the athletes off in style. Local law enforcement and Aubie will join attendees in cheering on the athletes, and the Auburn Police Department will provide a police escort as the athletes head to Troy.

For more information about Lee County Special Olympics, visit auburnal.gov/special-olympics.