Hometown: Kansas City
Sport: Bowling
Rosemary Dorr has been part of Special Olympics for more than five decades, beginning her journey around 1972. A proud member of the KCK Huggers since 1988, she has competed in cheerleading and track and field, and today participates in bowling, cornhole, and snowshoeing. In 2026, she will represent Team Kansas in bowling at the USA Games.
Special Olympics has given Rosemary a place to excel both individually and alongside her teammates. Through sport, she has built lasting friendships across the state and discovered activities she never imagined trying. As she’s gotten older, balance and stamina have presented challenges, but with the encouragement of Special Olympics Kansas staff, she continues to step outside her comfort zone. Her age has never held her back.
Rosemary was inducted into the Special Olympics Kansas Hall of Fame in 2024 and has been her local chapter’s top fundraiser for many consecutive years. She has also participated in all 35 years of the KCK Fire Department Bowl-a-Thon. Staying active in her community, she volunteers with iCare Ministries, Cathedral of St. Peter’s Women’s Altar Society, and Bishop Ward High School’s Athletic Department and Development Office.
Family has always been her foundation. With seven siblings and 52 nieces and nephews, Rosemary was raised to support and encourage others, values she carries with her every day. She also enjoys karaoke and painting paver stones—having created more than 500 since 2020.
Competing at the 2026 USA Games will be Rosemary’s first national Games experience. She looks forward to meeting athletes from across the country and competing at a new level. As she prepares, she’s focusing on staying strong by walking, riding a stationary bike, and making healthy choices each day.
Recently retired from ResCare, Rosemary continues to live out the spirit of Special Olympics through competition, service, and lifelong learning—proudly representing Kansas on the national stage.
