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Auburn football hosts Victory Day for Special Olympics athletes
Auburn University held its 2026 Victory Day at Jordan-Hare Stadium, a new tradition introduced by head coach Alex Golesh. The event brought together the Auburn football team, the Lee County Special Olympians, and the university’s EAGLES program.
During the scrimmage-style event, athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities took the field to run plays and score touchdowns. The participants wore navy No. 26 Victory Day jerseys and were celebrated by the Auburn offense and defense.
Coach Golesh, who brought the concept from his previous position at the University of South Florida, described the evening as his favorite night of the year. He noted that the event provides players with a unique perspective on their own fortunes and serves as a way to give back to the community. During the event, Golesh also expressed his commitment to the program, stating his goal to win national championships at Auburn.
Entities
Alex Golesh · Auburn University · EAGLES program · Jordan-Hare Stadium · Lee County Special Olympians
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Alex Golesh said Victory Day signifies the beginning of the season for the team. auburntigers.com · yellowhammernews.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Auburn University partnered with Lee County Special Olympians and the EAGLES program for Victory Day 2026. spotonalabama.com · auburntigers.com · yellowhammernews.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Alex Golesh expressed his intention to win national championships at Auburn. yellowhammernews.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Alex Golesh stated he chose Auburn because it is the best place in the country. yellowhammernews.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] EAGLES program director Betty Patten noted that the event represents the Auburn family and inclusivity. auburntigers.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities participated in a scrimmage-style event at Jordan-Hare Stadium. yellowhammernews.com