‘Let me be brave’: Local Special Olympics athletes head to State Games after successful USA Games
(Update: adding video and comments from athletes, coach)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- High Desert Special Olympics athletes are heading to Corvallis this weekend for the State Summer Games, representing Central Oregon with more than just competitive spirit.
At Awbrey Glen Golf Club in Bend, the driving range has become a weekly hub for athletes to sharpen their skills and build confidence.
“Every Thursday, we host our local Special Olympians and give them the opportunity to come out and enjoy the game of golf,” said Tommy Berg, general manager at Awbrey Glen Golf Club. “It’s fun to see the smiles that they have and the joy that they have when they get to play.”
Among those athletes is Felicity Woods, a Special Olympics golfer who recently earned a gold medal at the USA Games in Minnesota.
“I’m just so proud to receive a gold medal. I did not expect that at all,” Woods said. “I feel like the victory and the success just building with my golf skills for the nationals — it’s such an honor and a very amazing experience.”
Now, she’s preparing to compete again at the state level.
Zachary Herrmann is also heading to Corvallis to compete in golf. He previously brought home bronze in soccer at the USA Games and says the experience has connected him with athletes far beyond Central Oregon.
“You build friendships throughout the state. And even when you go on the national level, you meet friends from across the country and you make connections that you wouldn’t have otherwise,” Herrmann said. “Like it’s one big family basically.”
For head golf coach Marilyn Goddard-Rowland, the impact of Special Olympics is deeply personal — her son is also an athlete in the program.
“He found a place that he fits,” she said. “To see him grow now into a grown man and having wonderful relationships with people...Special Olympics has done a lot to help him grow in those areas.”
She says strong community support in Central Oregon plays a key role in that growth.
“We are just very, very blessed in Central Oregon,” Goddard-Rowland said. “I couldn’t ask for a better situation with the community. They care about our kids. They’re always excited to see my athletes when we show up.”
As athletes prepare for the State Summer Games, many say the experience is about more than competition.
“Let me win. If I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt,” Woods said. “And always remember, it’s not all about winning. It’s all about inclusion and all about having fun.”
