Ralph Gemmill, Jr. of Baltimore County, Maryland, started competing in Special Olympics more than 44 years ago. In that time, he has trained in Alpine skiing, athletics, basketball, bocce and kayaking, to name a few. Competing in soccer, he attended the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games. As a Global Messenger, Ralph is active in advocating for his fellow athletes through fundraising, volunteering and Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics initiatives. On several occasions, Ralph attended Camp Shriver, the origin of Special Olympics. Special Olympics has fulfilled Ralph’s life through sports, friendships and adventures. In representing Special Olympics USA in Alpine skiing, he looks forward to continued fulfillment.
Ralph is employed as a gym attendant with Westminster City Department of Recreation and Parks and regularly volunteers at Westminster Volunteer Fire Department. A baseball fanatic, Ralph joined Roy Rogers in throwing the first pitch at a Baltimore Orioles game in 1983. In the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025, he feels fortunate for the opportunity to show others what he is capable of doing.