Yuma Police host Fuel of Dreams fundraiser

The Yuma Police Department showed their support for the Arizona Special Olympics by hosting their Fourth Annual Fuel of Dreams fundraiser.

The event was held on Thursday at Fry’s Grocery Store in Yuma, where officers assisted locals with fueling their cars and washing their windshields.

The Arizona Special Olympics are held in Lake Havasu, where over 1,000 children, teen and adult athletes participate in sports training and competition.

Officer Cory Williams, serving the city of Yuma, is one of the coordinators behind the fundraisers. Along with Williams, officers shared the purpose behind the fundraiser with people who stopped at the gas station.

Williams said he is moved by the athletes commitment to compete, and enjoys working alongside the community.

“Coming together, [not only] to collect donations, [but] we get to interact with the community and collect donations,” Officer Williams said. “[These donations] help athletes get an opportunity to participate in Olympic style games, to give them a chance to go out and be brave.”

Yuma resident, Craig Pauly, stopped by and donated to the Special Olympic fundraiser, saying that he believes everyone deserves the opportunity to compete.

“I believe that all kids should play sports, Craig said. “I’ve been practicing with my children for years, I was a coach both in soccer and baseball and I just think every kid should have an opportunity to play. We can learn a lot from them.”

Yuma Police Department welcomes all donations, and said all proceeds will go directly towards supporting The Special Olympics.