Wantagh community unites to honor young athlete's legacy
His family, friends, and neighbors gathered at a fundraiser to support the creation of a memorial sports complex in his name.
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The Wantagh community came together to honor the memory of 11-year-old Joshua Encarnacion, a talented athlete who tragically lost his life to cancer in 2023. His family, friends, and neighbors gathered at a fundraiser to support the creation of a memorial sports complex in his name.
Joshua's parents, Christian and Jeannette Encarnacion, shared their vision for the facility.
"We wanted to make a complex where other kids and children could play in his legendary name and leave some kind of legacy," said Christian Encarnacion.
The fundraiser, held at Mulcahey's in Wantagh, will contribute to the construction of the Joshua Encarnacion Memorial Sports Complex, located on the grounds of Mandalay Elementary School, where Joshua attended.
The complex will feature a turf field and a multi-sport court, ensuring Joshua’s legacy lives on in his hometown.
Hundreds of people turned out to show their support for the Encarnacion family, including notable figures like former UFC Champion Chris Weidman, who is Joshua's uncle, and former Knicks player John Wallace.
"It’s unfortunate we lost him, but he left such a mark," while Wallace emphasized, "Everyone is coming together. The community," said Weidman.
The evening was filled with music provided by musician Mike DelGuidice, adding to the sense of unity and remembrance.
Jeannette Encarnacion expressed heartfelt gratitude for the support.
"We have a lot of great family and friends, the community—we couldn’t have done it without any of them. That’s 100% sure," she said.
To contribute to the construction of the sports complex, click this GoFundMe link.
