By: Lake Wales Police Department
Joseph Lunsford was born and raised in Lake Wales. He is a wonderful young man and known by many of our officers. Joseph is always there to help the Lake Wales Police Department in any way he can to raise awareness for Special Olympics Florida and his fellow athletes.
Through the years, Joseph has participated in Special Olympics track, softball, basketball, bowling, golf, and bocce. Once involved with bocce, it soon became one of his favorite sports. Joseph volunteers at the Lake Wales Care Center, a faith-based community service organization. He also helps at Sweet Ella’s Produce, where he enjoys getting to know the customers.
Joseph enjoys rooting for the Tampa Bay Rays and Tampa Bay Lightning and is an avid Andy Griffith Show fan. Just start a line from one of the show’s many episodes and Joseph can finish it. Joseph is supported by a large cheering squad that includes his family, friends, church, and community. He is excited to represent his town, county, and state.
The Lake Wales Police Department has participated in the Law Enforcement Torch Run campaign for ten years, raising awareness and funds for Special Olympics Florida and our local Special Olympics athletes.
Joseph has been a part of this program from the beginning. He has helped with visits to local Publix stores, thanking them for their support; worked Tip A Cop events at our local restaurants, and has spoken to our officers promoting the payroll deduction fundraiser for Special Olympics Florida.
The Lake Wales Police Department is proud to be involved in our community and a part of Special Olympics Florida through the Law Enforcement Torch Run.
Team Florida is comprised of over 500 athletes/unified partners from across the state. They are supported by 137 coaches and 38 staff members. They will be competing in all 19 sports being offered at the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games.
Chief Christopher Velasquez said, “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.”
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.
We are asking our community, central Florida, and the entire state to get behind Team Florida and support our athletes. You can support athletes in many ways; financially, as volunteers, as coaches or as cheerleaders in the
2022 Special Olympics USA Games in Orlando, Florida from June 5th-12th, 2022.
Thanks in advance for your support of Joseph and all of our Team Florida Special Olympics athletes!
For those who would like to support Joseph, Team Bocce, Team Florida or any other team or athlete, we have included links below for your convenience.
The last link contains information on the USA Games and includes how to get involved.
Joseph:
Team Bocce Page:
Team Florida Page:
https://give.specialolympicsflorida.org/site/TR?fr_id=1525&pg=entry
2022 Special Olympics USA Games:
https://www.specialolympicsflorida.org/get-involved/2022-SO-USA-Games
- A Message From Florida’s New Public Health Chief: The State Will ‘Completely Reject Fear As A Way Of Making Policies In Public Health’
- EXCLUSIVE: Jailed Marine Who Demanded Accountability Offered To Resign Under Honorable Conditions And Was Rejected
- Florida Gov. DeSantis Announces Actions Against Developers Associated with Hilltop Village in Jacksonville
- Florida Man ‘Pulls A Tyson’ Bites Off Friends Ear After Transporting Drunk Woman In Wheel Barrel
- You’ve Gotta Be Nuts! Florida Man Submits To Voluntary At-Home Castration, Would-Be Urologist Gets 3 Years
- Florida Man Sticks His Hand In A Jaguar Cage At The Zoo, Jaguar 1 – Florida Man 0
Support journalism by clicking here to our GoFundMe or sign up for our free newsletter by clicking here
Android Users, Click Here To Download The Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. It’s Free And Coming To Apple Users Soon.