LAKE WALES – For ten days this month, he enjoyed being called “Coach Mike” by the 4-member bocce team representing Florida at the Special Olympics USA Games Minnesota 2026. The team brought home three gold medals, three silver medals, and one fourth and one fifth place in bocce.
For Mike Lunsford, his final promotion in his 40-year careerwith the Polk County Fire and Rescue Department made him“Chief.” The hard-earned and well-respected title of battalion chief was important but not as much fun as “Coach Mike.”
Lunsford was one of 1,500 coaches, 4,000 athletes, 12,000 volunteers and 75,000 fans from all 50 states who traveled to Minnesota to come together for the Games. Featuring 19 sports, the Games shined a light on the abilities and strengths of people with intellectual disabilities, according to the Special Olympics website.
“The team responded well to me. It was a little bit daunting because there’s little contact with them during the year,” Lunsford said. “But they warmed up to me calling me Coach Mike.” The medals and honors the team brought home were a culmination of different events including doubles, singles and unified teams.
The team members were selected from applicants from all over the state. Lunsford was only able to get together with them a couple of times before the Games. This is simply because members are scattered all over the state making getting together hard. However, their regular coaches continued to work with them to prepare…