Leadership position gives Redmond Special Olympics athlete ‘different perspective’

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Zach Herrmann is a winner, both on and off the field.

This weekend, Herrmann will compete with the Oregon Special Olympics at the Fall State Games at Portland's Providence Park.

Herrmann’s been practicing on the soccer field behind Redmond High School for weeks, gearing up for the games.

“We just go and compete and have fun with the other teams,” Herrmann said. 

While he’s excited to compete, he's more excited for his opportunity to be a leader.

“It gives me more of a different perspective,” Herrmann said, talking about his new position. 

The 27-year-old is also a new addition to Oregon Special Olympics' leadership team.

“It allows us to meet other people with intellectual disabilities around the state, to have fun and do sports that you can’t do regularly,” Herrmann said. “That's what I like about it.”

He’s attending a leadership conference, taking notes on what’s working at the state level and bringing it back to Deschutes County.

“It gives you a perspective on how many people we actually have as athletes, vs. no one competing,” Herrmann said. 

The leadership program is relatively new, but already has 20-plus members.

“It will also give me, not only the better chance to be an athlete leader for my local program, but a role model for other athletes, if they so choose,” Herrmann said. 

Herrmann heads out to Portland Friday morning, and then has a full day of competition at Providence Park on Saturday.