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Allison Dorsey Kennedy has certainly traveled a long distance in her relationship with the Special Olympics in Rutherford County. She was a second grader-- probably seven years old -- when her dad Stan Dorsey was the Exceptional Children's (EC) Director for the Rutherford County Schools. He took her with him to volunteer at the Special Olympics Spring Games every year.
Allison studied Special Education at the University of Virginia and today is an EC teacher with the Rutherford County Schools.
Approximately four years ago Allison, with the help of volunteers, began the Special Olympics programs again in Rutherford County after the programs were halted due to Covid and other issues.
She and the volunteers have provided athletic events for Special Olympians in Rutherford County and area for the past four years.
Last weekend Allison was recognized for her leadership with Special Olympics as she received the Local Coordinator of the Year Award from Special Olympics NC during the annual leadership summit.
The award was presented at the banquet on Saturday evening, where Allison's family -- husband Josh and children and her mom Becky Dorsey, surprised her by joining Allison for dinner. Her dad, Stan, couldn't make it to the dinner because he was taking care of Allison's great-grandmother and great-aunt.
Lindsey Waldren, VP of Community Resources presented the award and noted Allison's leadership in gaining funds for Special Olympics Rutherford County's local program through the RHI Legacy Foundation and Western NC Bridge Foundation.
She talked about Allison's work with the Unified Champion program at Forest City-Dunbar and leading a large club there. She mentioned the local programs growing community-based sports offered, taking a delegation of athletes to the past two summer games in Raleigh, and hosting the first Spring Games for Rutherford County in 20-plus years which included training a youth games management team on how to help lead the games.
She also talked about Allison's family's involvement in Special Olympics. Her three sons Jack, Lucas and are Unified Partners at school and in the community.
During Allison's acceptance speech she told the audience she was standing on the stage, "representing the work of local volunteers and coaches, an amazing and dedicated committee, and the talented athletes of Rutherford County."
Allison's mother Becky said after the presentation, "What a wonderful evening in Raleigh with my daughter Allison...What a special honor. She is amazing."
Another social media post said, " I've had the honor of watching her take Special Olympics Rutherford County to new levels. She is truly the best. Allison does so much work behind the scenes. I'm happy to see her honored for her hard work and dedication. I don't know a single person more deserving of this award."
Special Olympics also received its yearly accreditation of the Rutherford County program, presented by CEO Keith Fishburne and Allison received a certificate for her four years of service as coordinator.
"I was also able to plan with surrounding counties so that we can work together in the coming year," she said.
Anyone who would like more information on participating in or volunteering for Special Olympics Rutherford County may contact rutherford@sonc.net
Fall Sports: Special Olympics Rutherford County will host three fall sports- soccer skills Mondays 6 to 6:45pm beginning Sept. 11; bocce, Thursdays, 6 to 6:45pm beginning Sept. 7 and flag football, Thursdays from 6 to 6:45pm also starting Sept. 7.
For more information contact Allison at 704-437-1531.
