Major sporting events bring visitors to Auburn-Opelika each year, but their impact does not end when the final round is played. In addition to hotel stays and restaurant visits, these events often create opportunities to invest directly in the local community.
That impact was evident in December, when the American Junior Golf Association presented an $8,000 donation to Auburn Adapted Athletics at Beard-Eaves Memorial Coliseum. The donation reflects a broader commitment to supporting inclusive athletics and strengthening programs that serve student-athletes in the Auburn community.
The contribution is connected to the Moon Golf Junior Championship presented by Auburn-Opelika Tourism, an annual tournament held at RTJ Grand National. As part of its mission, the AJGA gives back to nonprofits in the communities that host its events, with this year’s support benefiting Auburn University’s adapted athletics programs.
“One of the most meaningful parts of hosting AJGA events is the opportunity to give back to the local community,” said Patrick Cansfield, director of development at the AJGA. “Partnering with Auburn-Opelika Tourism and Moon Golf to support Auburn Adapted Athletics allows us to invest directly in athletes who represent the heart and resilience of this community.”
Each summer, the Moon Golf Junior Championship draws elite junior golfers and their families from across the country. While the tournament brings visitors to the area for a busy holiday weekend, it also creates space for partnerships that extend beyond the competition itself, connecting national organizations with local programs in a meaningful way.
For Auburn Adapted Athletics, the donation represents more than financial support. It reinforces the value of programs that expand access to sport and provide opportunities for student-athletes of all abilities.
“We are incredibly grateful and honored to be the recipient of this generous donation from the AJGA,” said Robb Taylor, athletic director of Auburn Adapted Athletics. “Their commitment will make an immediate and meaningful impact on our student-athletes and the programs that support them.”
The Moon Golf Junior Championship is one of several sporting events hosted annually in Auburn-Opelika that pair high-level competition with intentional community investment. Together, these events demonstrate how sports tourism can support inclusive athletics, strengthen local organizations, and create positive outcomes that last well beyond the event weekend.