Zach Commander of Elizabeth City, North Carolina has made the most of his participation in Special Olympics. The 37-year-old is an active athlete in volleyball and basketball. He is a Sargent Shriver Global Messenger, serves on the Special Olympics North Carolina (SONC) Athlete Council and is the only athlete member of the NC Law Enforcement Torch Run Committee. He is a leader and mentor to athletes throughout the state. But at home, Zach is simply “Dad” to his three children, 15, 9 and 3 years-old.

His accomplishments in Special Olympics however did not go unnoticed. He would often come home from competing in Special Olympics North Carolina state-level events with gold, silver or bronze medals around his neck. Usually within in a couple hours of returning home, Zach’s medals would disappear. His oldest son, Tysheem, would sneak off to his room with the glistening awards and claim them for his own.

“He was always interested in participating,” said Zach. “But he keeps a very active schedule and it wasn’t until this year that he finally wanted to play sports and win some medals of his own.”

Tysheem, 15, joined his father’s Special Olympics Pasquotank/Camden volleyball team and made the trip to Raleigh to compete in the 2008 SONC Summer Games. The two roomed together in the NC State University dorms and had a terrific experience.

“I had a special feeling the whole weekend,” said Zach. “Watching my son here competing with me gave me a whole new outlook on Special Olympics and the empowerment of this organization. A lot of people thought we were brothers too and that made me laugh.”

Tysheem enjoyed traveling, meeting lots of new people and wining his own gold medal! Pasquotank/Camden was in a tough championship match versus the Cabarrus Spikers but came away winners.

“He loved winning and for days after we got home had his medal in his pocket or around his neck,” said Zach about his son. “But his favorite part of the weekend, by far, was the dance. Oh boy, did he have a good time and he did not want to leave!”

Zach too had great time during the weekend and credits his son’s participation with re-energizing him and his desire to compete.

“For a long time Special Olympics was just about me and having my son compete with me has shown me how to be a stronger person, more of a leader and it has made me feel like I want to compete another 20-25 years,” exclaimed Zach.

The Commanders are now counting down the days until basketball practice begins. Tysheem’s goal is to attend the 2009 SONC Basketball & Cheerleading Tournament next March in Winston-Salem.

And Zach has found he still must share his medals. His 9 year-old daughter has been eyeing the gold medal since he brought it home.

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