Having been at the Arizona Department of Public Safety for 29 years, Rocky Quijada has had the wonderful opportunity to work with Special Olympics and the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) since the 1980’s.  Quijada became involved with LETR over a 5 year period in the mid- 80’s as a member of the Arizona Law Enforcement Training Academy staff.  He would “volunteer” academy cadets to participate in the Torch Run through the Tucson and Pima Counties which took place when the LETR was in its infant stage and the running distances covered were much longer than is it today.  With the birth of his special needs son, it became a personal interest for him and his family.  Together, his family has participated in runs and bike rides during the Torch Run. 

In 2002, 2003 and 2004, Quijada was fortunate enough to attend the International LETR conferences held in Hawaii, San Francisco and Chrystal City, Virginia.  It was Quijada’s personal experiences that led him, his wife and his son to Minneapolis/St. Paul Minnesota to participate in the 2005 National Law Enforcement Torch Run Conference for Special Olympics.

On top of participating in local runs and bike rides, Quijada’s accomplishments succeed what anyone had expected.  For the last 7 consecutive years, Quijada and his agency have been recognized as Arizona’s “Highest Fundraisers”.  Likewise, for 12 years, he has been coordinating a golf tournament that has raised over $100,000.00 for Special Olympics Arizona.  These accomplishments have given him the great opportunity to participate and run in the Final Leg at our upcoming World Games in Shanghai, China in October 2007.  More than 7000 athletes from over 169 countries will be participating in the games and Quijada has the amazing opportunity to carry the Hope of Flame into the opening ceremonies. 

Thank you from everyone at Special Olympics Arizona state office.  Your dedication and hard work allows so many of our athletes to experience training and competition at no cost. Good Luck in China!