Special Olympics fundraiser May 2 in Tuba City

TUBA CITY, Ariz. - Navajo Nation Law Enforcement is putting on a Native American Special Olympics fundraiser "Guardians of the Flame Music Fest" and torch run May 2 in Tuba City in the Tuba City Police parking Lot.

People are carrying the torch from Window Rock to Tuba City and during that time law enforcement officers are trying to raise money to support the kids to participate in the state games. On May 2, the torch run will continue from Coalmine and end in Tuba City. Events on May 2 will also include a powwow drum group, a magic show, a hip hop artists performance, motivational speaking and a honor song for the Special Olympic athletes.

"It is to bring awareness to Special Olympics here," said Navajo Nation Law Enforcement Ranger Fred Davis. "We have six kids that are coming from the Navajo Nation who are competing in the state games in Phoenix. We want to raise funds for them to participate in that event."

The kids are between 12 and 18 years of age.

Davis said everything helps, from money to volunteers donating their time. A couple weeks ago, law enforcement officers put on a fundraiser called "Tip a Cop," where they raised about $900. The officers served the public, getting people drinks, taking menu orders in the restaurants locally around Tuba City. They are putting on a 49 Laughs Comedy Show on April 29 at the Moenkopi Legacy Inn. The comedians donated their time to the cause.

"We want the community to know that there are kids out here who need our support," Davis said. "There are kids who are going through tough times and we all go through them."

In past years, the torch run took place but the kids were not recognized and supported in the way Davis and his fellow officers are hoping this year's event will.

"This year, we are going to change that and let the community know that the kids out here who are going through tough times, with our encouragement and support they can actually compete in these events and let them know their community is behind them," Davis said.

The entertainers are coming specifically because they want to show their support for the kids in Special Olympic. A band member, who is donating his time, has a brother who is one of the kids who has participated in the Special Olympic Games in year's past.

"They want to come out and support this event," Davis said. "He knows what they have gone through to get his brother through the Games. There was no support, there was no financial support. They just did it on their own."

Davis and the other law enforcement officers don't want anyone to have to go through it alone anymore.

Donations can be sent to Special Olympics Arizona/Navajo Nation at 2100 S. 75th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85043. More information is available at donorservices@specialolympics.org.

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