A special Olympic competitor is representing Florida in the 2022 Special Olympic USA games.
Polk County native Joseph Lunsford earned a spot on the Bocce team after years of practice, but his parents said the real prize is his joy.
“For me, I’m working on bocce right now; that’s my sport,” said Lunsford. “I’m so happy right now.”
Lunsford, 28, was diagnosed with Down syndrome when he was a baby, but he said that doesn’t stop him from trying new things.
“I don’t hold any shame back that his pride causes me tears," said Special Olympics Coach Mike Lunsford. “My grandfather — he’d drive by a wedding and cry. I’m kind of that same way. I’m tender hearted and to see him having fun is all the fun in the world to me.”
Mike Lunsford is a Special Olympics coach for the Polk County teams and Joseph’s dad. Mike said when his son started playing sports, despite his Down syndrome he became a Special Olympics coach.
“We got involved in Special Olympics through the school system,” said Mike. “We became coaches and then put on the management team for the Polk County Special Olympics here. We’ve watched it grow and double in size in the area.”
Lunsford is competing in the 2022 Special Olympics Games on the bocce team. He previously participated in Olympic track, softball, baseball, bowling, golf and now bocce. These are accomplishments his parentss said they’re proud of.
“When Joseph was first born, I looked right at him and told him - I’m going to make you the best that you can possibly be,” said Mike. “I don’t expect anything else other than the best you can be and that was my commitment to him.”
Lunsford is a high functioning Down syndrome that reads at a third grade level. In addition to his athletic aspirations, he also commits to 40 hours of volunteer work a week.
Just recently the Lake Wales Police Department acknowledged Joseph's commitment to serve with a recognition day.
“We’re so prod of Joseph; he’s a phenomenal athlete – he helps tell people about central Special Olympics Florida,” said David Black, Lake Wales Deputy Chief. “He comes in and talks with officers when it’s time to do fundraisers with Publix – they are big supporters of Special Olympics Florida.”
The Lake Wales Police Department has participated in the Law Enforcement Torch Run campaign for 10 years, raising awareness and funds for Special Olympics Florida and their local Special Olympics athletes.
Team Florida is comprised of over 500 athletes and unified partners from across the state; they’re supported by 137 coaches and 38 staff members.
"We are honored to support members of our community as they accomplish their goals and reach for their dreams. The Lake Wales Police Department and the Lake Wales Police Officers Association, which includes sworn, civilian and volunteer members is proud to support Special Olympics Florida along with all our local athletes, Chief Christopher Velasque. “Joseph will be receiving a Proclamation from the City of Lake Wales on October 5th, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. proclaiming this date as Joseph Lunsford Recognition Day to encourage interested citizens to support Joseph and Team Florida.”
The Polk County teams will compete in all 19 sports being offered at the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games.