Joseph Hocter Jr. likes to stay busy. REALLY busy. In 2019 Joseph trained in 7 different Special Olympics sports, worked out at a boxing gym weekly, fundraised for Special Olympics Massachusetts, attended NortheastArc programs, was a member of local organizations AND worked at Crosby's Marketplace in Marblehead.

At age 35, he has been participating in Special Olympics for 24 years since he first began swimming at age 11. In 2019 he trained in track & field, basketball, bocce, bowling, flag football, golf and power lifting.  Only 3 other athletes in Massachusetts, out of over 14,000, trained in as many sports as Joseph.

He enjoys Special Olympics because it helps him manage his weight and he gets to see his teammates and friends. He says his favorite sport is power lifting.

Joe also participates in several Special Olympics Massachusetts fundraisers like the Peabody Holiday Torch Run and enjoys representing the organization.

Outside of Special Olympics, Joe's favorite activity is boxing. The NortheastArc held a program at a local boxing gym to give participants a chance to try it out. Joe loved it so much that he now goes 3-4 times per week.

"They're good people. I love them," he said of his friends at Title Boxing Club in Danvers.

Joe is also very active in his local community. He has worked at Crosby's Marketplace for two and a half years and loves his job there. He is also an Eagle Scout and a member of the fraternal organization, the Odd Fellows.

While he is already very busy, he'd like to add wrestling to his list of activities.

"I love wrestling!" he said.

His favorite professional wrestler changes based on who is doing well, but right now he likes "Triple-H."