As the calendar hits May, what better way to bring in the weather than by getting outside?

Special education teacher and the Sedona Red Rockers Unified Special Olympics coach Tiffany Colburn and her team took part in the Law Enforcement Torch Run on Tuesday, April 30.

In conjunction with the Sedona Police Department, the Red Rockers are hoping to raise more money and awareness to special education.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run dates back to 1981 and is the biggest grass-roots fundraising movement for the Special Olympics.

So far, Colburn, Sedona Red Rock High’s resource officer Jackie McQuaid and others involved have raised over $10,000 towards the Red Rockers.

McQuaid spoke on the Torch Run and how we can better assist those with needs.

 What is your role during the torch run?
The police department is in charge of the torch run and we collect the torch from Coconino County Sheriff’s office. We give it to an athlete and then carry it through Sedona all the way to the police department. We then drive it over to Cottonwood because we do not have enough time and the torch must travel throughout the state. Cottonwood Police Department collects it and then transfers it to Camp Verde’s marshal office. Each group has their own officers and set of athletes that run each portion of the event. This year, the Sedona Red Rockers participated and we had a great outcome. This is a new team and, for some of them, their first time participating
in the torch run. We are looking forward to many more Torch Runs in the future.

 How did the torch run come about?
It was the way for the law enforcement community to fundraise and give back to the Special Olympics. We run the torch down for the summer games.

 How important do you believe events like this are?
It is extremely important because it brings together communities. It brings together law enforcement and the school district while also bringing awareness to children with intellectual disabilities. We ran 89A and the community got to see our athletes and cheer them on. Everyone wore the same shirt, signifying that we were a group and we received great support from those in Sedona.
 

How has interacting with the Red Rockers been this year?
It has been great. We are in the top 10 fundraisers for LETRs torch run Special Olympics, so we have done a great deal of raising funds and awareness. Inclusion is what we are looking for now and that is our athletes collaborating with another individual so they can work together as a team.
 

How would you describe the Red Rockers?
Oh my goodness, they are just so passionate. They have come so far, so to watch them was amazing. We had one student who was in her wheelchair for half of the run and then she began to walk as we passed Giant. She pushed herself with a walker to the finish line, which was just wonderful.
 

How important are events like this that raise awareness?
They have challenges physical and intellectual challenges everyday, so watching them push themselves is great to see. I think that all of us can watch the Red Rockers and push ourselves to our uncomfortable zones. That way, we can also improve ourselves in the process. I tell people that if the kids can challenge themselves, we need to follow suit and push past our perceived boundaries.

 How did you get involved with special education awareness?
A couple of years ago, we had a commander that asked me if I wanted to go over the edge. I asked him what that involved and he said it was jumping off a 36-foot building. I told him I was afraid of heights and he responded by telling me that I needed to challenge
myself. By doing the fundraiser and interacting with the athletes, I realized how important raising awareness was. [Colburn] and Trish Alley, director of special education at Sedona Oak-Creek School District then started the program at Sedona and it unique because the students could earn credit for training. So, it helped the teachers, coaches and students bond over sports and other events.
 

How far have the Red Rockers grown since your first interaction with them?
I have seen amazing things happen over the last year. I have seen someone that would not push a wheelchair become extremely independent.I have seen another one that started walking when they did not want to get out of their wheelchair at first. I have seen someone who did not talk engage in public speaking, so their growth has been tremendous to see.

Next up, the Red Rockers will participate in the Summer Games beginning on Thursday, May 2.

Raymond S. Kellis High School is hosting the event and it lasts until  Saturday, May 4.