The City of Groveland will shine a special spotlight on its special needs families declaring July 29th as Challenge Champions and Heroes Day.

In honor of Challenged Champions and Heroes Day, Groveland is inviting special needs families and friends to experience food, games, and entertainment at the 2nd Annual Challenged Champions and Heroes Awards and Family Fun Afternoon. The event will be held on Saturday, July 30 from 12:00 P.M. – 2:30 P.M. at Hope International Church, located at 13806 State Road 33, Groveland, FL 34736. 

Challenged Champions and Heroes is a national organization founded by Dr. Robin Lococo, recognizing the unique gifts and talents of special needs individuals and their caregivers. During this event, a host of special needs individuals, their caregivers and community supporters of this organization will be recognized. Groveland Public Safety Director and Police Chief Shawn Ramsey will be honored with a special awards presentation.

“We are honored that the Challenged Champions and Heroes organization has selected special needs and neurodiverse families, within the City of Groveland and surrounding areas, for their courageous daily contributions to our communities,” said Parks & Recreation Advisory Chairperson Dr. Joscelyn Ramos Campbell. “The City of Groveland is privileged to recognize the families, advocates, and community leaders. We will continue to strive for inclusivity and accessibility for all”

During the afternoon, the City of Groveland will honor recipients with the Challenged Champions and Heroes national distinction in the following categories: 

CHAMPION LEADERSHIP AWARD 

1. Kandi Lynn Alexander 

2. Anthony “TJ” McCoy Jr. 

3. Dr. Mercy Nyman 

4. Cindy Wickham 

5. Keith Wickham 

6. Hannah Wickham 

7. Rachel Wickham 

8. Officer Kenia Abreu, Community Relations and Outreach, City of Mascotte 

9. Shawn Ramsey, Police Chief, City of Groveland 

10. Kevin Carroll, Fire Chief, City of Groveland 

11. Erich Thiemann, Deputy Fire Chief, City of Groveland 

12. Rick Casler, Training Fire Captain, City of Clermont 

13. Charles “Chuck” Broadway, Police Chief, City of Clermont 

CHALLENGED CHAMPIONS AND HEROES RECOGNITION AWARD (Special Needs Individuals) 

1. Anna Conover 

2. Meaghan Conover 

3. Rachael Conover 

4. Austin Harrison 

5. Bryce Richardson 

6. Kimmie Tortorella 

CHALLENGED CHAMPIONS AND HEROES’ YOUTH AWARD (Siblings or Youth Volunteers) 

1. Alia Chinn 

2. Sarah Leath 

3. Beautiful McCoy 

4. Analeise Peraza 

CHALLENGED CHAMPIONS AND HEROES’ HERO AWARD (Caregivers) 

1. Jessica Acker 

2. Matt Acker 

3. Justin Campbell 

4. Dr. Joscelyn Ramos Campbell 

5. Tiffany Gomez 

6. Kimberly Johnson 

7. Patricia Kry 

8. Dwayne “Buck” Kry 

9. Mother Mary Mack 

10. Marilyn Rose 

11. Victor Rose 

12. Amanda Ventura 

13. Kelly Wells 

CHALLENGED CHAMPIONS AND HEROES PRESIDENTS CHOICE AWARD 

1. Jeremy Campbell 

2. Jonathan Campbell 

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