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Special Olympics
  1. Parks and Recreation
  2. Parks and Recreation Programs
Parks and Recreation

Dean Road Rec Center

307 S Dean Rd

Elizabeth Kaufman

Elizabeth Kaufman

Therapeutic Programs Coordinator

Lee County Special Olympics serves athletes within approximately 50 miles! We serve athletes in multiple counties who don't have access to a closer program, and we have over 300 athletes in our various sports.

*Our annual Cops on Top fundraiser is coming up on Friday, April 10th! Scan the QR code below if you're interested in ordering a Law Enforcement Torch Run shirt. Stop by Auburn or Opelika Kroger stores on Friday, April 10th from 9am-7pm. We will also be serving lunch at both stores from 11am-1pm (chips/drink and hot dog for $5) and we will have a variety of special guests coming throughout the day!*

Auburn Parks and Recreation supports Special Olympics by sponsoring teams for many of the Special Olympic events. Currently we support athletes for basketball, bowling, golf, volleyball, swimming, and track and field events. Practices take place throughout the year (depending on the sport) with the help of local Special Olympics’ volunteer coaches. You must be at least 8 years of age (age 14+ for some sports) and meet the requirements of the Alabama Special Olympic Guidelines in order to participate. For basketball, powerlifting, and volleyball you must be age 14 or older (high school) to participate.

Is your child in school? If they are in a self-contained classroom in Lee, Opelika, or Auburn City School districts, please email Elizabeth at ekaufman@auburnal.gov to find out if that self-contained classroom participates. If your child is in general ed classes with resources, they may still be able to participate locally - email Elizabeth to find out more. Most classes participate in bowling (February tournament) and track and field (April tournament) and practice within their classrooms. If you want your child to participate in other sports, please bring them to one of the practices below.

Bowling (Ages 8+): Mondays, 2-4pm, AMF Lanes in Auburn.

Aquatics (Ages 8+): Wednesdays, 5-6pm, Opelika SportsPlex. Begins January 7th, 2026. (Registration opens December 1st, 2025)

Track and Field (Ages 8+): Tuesdays, 5-6pm, AJHS Track. Begins January 13, 2026. (Registration opens December 1st, 2025)

Golf (Ages 12+): Sundays, 4-5pm, Indian Pines Golf Club. (Registration opens December 1st, 2025)

Note: Email ekaufman@auburnal.gov for practice details as practices are seasonal and subject to change.

We currently need coaches for our Special Olympic Athletes!

If you have the time and the interest to help coach these dynamic and fun-loving athletes, please contact the Lee County Special Olympics Director or the State office today! Registration is required and includes completing health forms and release forms.

Lee County Special Olympics Director: Elizabeth Kaufman, (334) 501-2939, ekaufman@auburnal.gov