Road to Special Olympics USA Games | a Special Chronicles Podcast Series

On this Series Finale episode of “Road to 2026 Special Olympics USA Games: a Special Chronicles Podcast Series,” host Daniel Smrokowski, Founder of Special Chronicles and Special Olympics Athlete Leader, sits down with Jessica Poole, Director of Communications for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. Together, they reflect on the meaning, impact, and legacy of the Games.

🌟 What You’ll Hear in This Episode

Chapter Markers:

👍 Like, Subscribe & Share

📱 Follow and Connect

➕Join SpecialChronicles+ PLUS to support the podcast and access bonus content. Starting at $10, Join Now at: SpecialChronicles.com/PLUS

On this episode of Live From Special Olympics 2026 USA Games: a Special Chronicles Podcast Series, and in celebration of the anniversary of Special Olympics and the Global Week of Inclusion, this episode is all about Inclusion in Action.

In this fast-paced montage episode, we hear from 10 unique voices—including athletes, fans, and families—sharing their heartfelt answers to one powerful question: “What does inclusion mean to you?"

Through inspiring, authentic, and moving reflections, discover how inclusion creates belonging, builds communities, and transforms lives both on and off the field of play. These short stories and perspectives capture the spirit of Special Olympics and remind us that everyone deserves to be seen, valued, and included.

🎧 Stream more episodes anytime: SpecialChronicles.com/2026USAGames

Subscribe, listen, and join us as we bring you empowering stories and memorable moments from the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, right here on Special Chronicles.

On this episode Live From Special Olympics 2026 USA Games: a Special Chronicles Podcast Series, we’re podcasting from the heart of the action at the ESPN Unified Sports Challenge, where Special Olympics athletes, celebrities, NBA stars, and Olympic champions come together to compete side-by-side in the ultimate celebration of inclusion.

Host Daniel Smrokowski takes you onto the field for exclusive conversations with Jalen Suggs of the Orlando Magic and Olympian Annie Kunz (Track & Field). Plus, hear exclusive audio from the Honored Guest Reception.

From the courts to the sidelines, we bring you inspiring interviews with NBA legends, Team USA Olympians, Unified partners, and supporters who share why the Special Olympics movement motivates them to show up, compete, and champion inclusion for all.

You’ll also hear from first-time USA Games fans, families, volunteers, and community supporters experiencing the power and joy of Unified Sports for the very first time. Their reactions capture what makes these Games so special: friendship, community, and a future where everyone belongs.

🎧 Catch the full conversations at: SpecialChronicles.com/2026USAGames

Subscribe, listen, and join us as we bring you empowering stories, inspiring athlete voices, and unforgettable moments from the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, right here on Special Chronicles.

On this episode Live From Special Olympics 2026 USA Games: a Special Chronicles Podcast Series, we're taking you inside the stories behind the storytellers — the athletes who are shaping how the world sees the Games.

First, we meet Wyatt, a proud Special Olympics athlete and Sargent Shriver Global Messenger, who stepped onto one of the biggest stages in sports: ESPN. Wyatt’s voice, confidence, and leadership showcase athlete-led media at its very best.

Next, we head over to the SONA Athlete Media Team, where Michael Kelley from Special Olympics Massachusetts and Anne Murray from Special Olympics Kentucky are capturing the spirit of the Games through reporting, interviewing, and content creation that brings fans closer to the action.

Finally, we spotlight Lily Goodfellow, whose digital media work on YouTube is helping thousands follow the Games in real time. Through creativity, storytelling, and authentic athlete perspectives, Lily is helping redefine what digital inclusion looks like.

This is Athlete Media.

🎧 Catch the full conversations at: SpecialChronicles.com/2026USAGames

Subscribe, listen, and join us as we bring you empowering stories, inspiring athlete voices, and memorable moments from the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, right here on Special Chronicles.

On this episode of Live From Special Olympics 2026 USA Games: a Special Chronicles Podcast Series, it's all about the unforgettable Game Day Moments that bring the spirit of the USA Games to life!

Join host Daniel Smrokowski from the heart of the action in Minnesota, where athletes, Unified partners, coaches, volunteers, and fans are celebrating inclusion, determination, and community—one game, one cheer, and one incredible moment at a time.

First, we head to Cornhole, where Gold Medalists Unified Partners Sharon and Dereck from Special Olympics Rhode Island share how teamwork, trust, and friendship fuel their success in Unified Cornhole. Then, Gold and Silver Medalist Justin Hostetter of Special Olympics Kansas joins us to talk about the focus, skill, and competitive drive that make every toss count.

Next, the excitement reaches new heights with Unified Cheer Gold Medalists as Spabina Spoon, Addison Cook, and Derbie Merryman from Special Olympics Mississippi showcase how spirit, rhythm, and unity can energize an entire crowd.

On the volleyball court, we meet Bronze Medalist Cody Field from Special Olympics Colorado, whose leadership and passion help keep his team soaring through competition.

And finally, we spotlight two amazing volunteers, Linnea and Ella, whose dedication, hospitality, and behind-the-scenes support at the volleyball venue remind us why volunteers are the backbone of the Special Olympics movement.

These stories capture what makes the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games about so much more than competition—they're about inclusion, friendship, and the power of sport to unite us all.

🎧 Catch the full conversations at: SpecialChronicles.com/2026USAGames

Subscribe, listen, and join us as we bring you empowering stories and memorable moments from the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, right here on Special Chronicles: https://specialchronicles.com/podcast853

#SpecialOlympics #2026USAGames #CallingAllChampions #ChooseToInclude #LiveFromUSAGames #SpecialChronicles 🏅🎙️

On this episode of Live From the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games: A Special Chronicles Podcast Series, Daniel connects with Eric Wilfrid of Special Olympics Northern California, Debra Spears, a passionate fan, Sam Wagner, a Team Illinois Athletics athlete, Chris Ritchie, a volunteer from Huntington Bank, and Ty Bricker, co-founder of The Sunshine Stop. Each guest shares their unique perspective on what makes the Special Olympics movement so powerful and why inclusion comes alive in and beyond the field of play.

🎙️ Hear empowering conversations about sports, community, volunteerism, entrepreneurship, and the lasting impact of inclusion from the heart of the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games.

ShowNotes & Links: https://specialchronicles.com/podcast852

🎧 Catch the full conversations on Inside the Fan Zone: Live From the 2026 USA Games, available exclusively as part of the Special Chronicles Podcast Series at: SpecialChronicles.com/2026USAGames

On this episode of Live From Special Olympics 2026 USA Games: A Special Chronicles Podcast Series, we’re reporting on location from Huntington Bank Stadium at the University of Minnesota during the Opening Ceremony of the Special Olympics USA Games.

From our press box vantage point, we capture the joy, pride, and inclusion that define the Games. As our friend Timothy Shriver reminds us, this celebration reflects the very best of America’s spirit — and no one works harder than Special Olympics athletes. This is the Land of Inclusion. Special Olympics Country.

Join our Mother‑Son Podcast Team for real‑time commentary and behind‑the‑scenes highlights from America's largest inclusion celebration of ability. Follow along on the Road to the 2026 USA Games and be part of the Movement.

Episode ShowNotes & Links:

Follow the full 10‑part Road to 2026USAGames Series at https://SpecialChronicles.com/2026USAGames for all episodes and subscribe to the full series and remember: Choose To Include.

👨‍💻Learn more about Special Olympics 2026 USA Games at: https://2026USAGames.org 

🎧 Follow the Special Chronicles Podcast wherever you get your podcasts: https://SpecialChronicles.com/Pod

⭐ Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or your favorite app: https://specialchronicles.com/ApplePodcasts

📺 Watch full episodes (video) on YouTube https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLD01BA706651153C3&si=E7AmCB-2hvFHQbO1

❤️ Support the mission of Special Chronicles by donating at https://specialchronicles.com/Give or joining the PLUS membership at https://specialchronicles.com/Plus

👕 Shop our ‘Disabled Voices Matter’ Merch

📱 Follow us on socials: @SpecialChronicles (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn) https://specialchronicles.com/Socials

📰 Subscribe to the newsletter for the latest updates from Special Chronicles https://specialchronicles.com/Newsletter

Podcast Theme Music: “It Starts With A Voice” written by Amy Wright and performed by Ben Wright, co-founders of Bitty and Beau’s Coffee. Used with permission.

About Our Team:

Daniel Smrokowski is an award-winning podcaster, columnist, and disability advocate, best known as the founder and host of Special Chronicles, a groundbreaking podcast platform featuring over 800 episodes produced across 17 years. Through storytelling and journalism, Daniel amplifies the voices of people with disabilities while promoting inclusion, awareness, and social change. In recognition of his impact, he is a recipient of the Matthew Freeman Award for Social Justice for his efforts through media to give people with disabilities a voice.

Darian Packard is a Content Producer at Special Chronicles and Global Advisor for Special Olympics CHEER, a worldwide inclusive cheerleading movement. She is the mother of four children, including a daughter with Williams syndrome, and is passionate about advancing inclusion and disability awareness.

Linda Smrokowski serves as a Copy Editor at Special Chronicles, bringing her background as a retired foreign language teacher and former Trader Joe’s Crew Member to her editorial work. She is the mother of founder Daniel Smrokowski, as well as a proud mother of two daughters, mother-in-law to two sons-in-law, and a grandmother to two granddaughters and one grandson. Linda is also an active musician, playing flute in the choir at St. Cletus Parish.

Adam Smrokowski is the Business Manager at Special Chronicles. He is the father of Founder Daniel Smrokowski, as well as two daughters, and is a proud father-in-law and grandfather to two granddaughters and one grandson. Adam supports the organization’s mission through leadership, service, and family-centered advocacy.

On this episode of LIVE From Special Olympics 2026 USA Games: A Special Chronicles Podcast Series, host and Health Messenger Daniel Smrokowski is podcasting location at the University of Minnesota for the official Healthy Athletes Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.

Episode ShowNotes & Links: https://specialchronicles.com/podcast850/

Learn more about Special Olympics Healthy Athletes: https://www.specialolympics.org/what-we-do/inclusive-health/healthy-athletes

Follow the full 10‑part Road to 2026USAGames Series at https://SpecialChronicles.com/2026USAGames for all episodes and subscribe to the full series and remember: Choose To Include.

👨‍💻Learn more about Special Olympics 2026 USA Games at: https://2026USAGames.org 

🎧 Follow the Special Chronicles Podcast wherever you get your podcasts: https://SpecialChronicles.com/Pod

⭐ Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or your favorite app: https://specialchronicles.com/ApplePodcasts

📺 Watch full episodes (video) on YouTube https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLD01BA706651153C3&si=E7AmCB-2hvFHQbO1

❤️ Support the mission of Special Chronicles by donating at https://specialchronicles.com/Give or joining the PLUS membership at https://specialchronicles.com/Plus

👕 Shop our ‘Disabled Voices Matter’ Merch

📱 Follow us on socials: @SpecialChronicles (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn) https://specialchronicles.com/Socials

📰 Subscribe to the newsletter for the latest updates from Special Chronicles https://specialchronicles.com/Newsletter

Podcast Theme Music: “It Starts With A Voice” written by Amy Wright and performed by Ben Wright, co-founders of Bitty and Beau’s Coffee. Used with permission.

About Our Team:

Daniel Smrokowski is an award-winning podcaster, columnist, and disability advocate, best known as the founder and host of Special Chronicles, a groundbreaking podcast platform featuring over 800 episodes produced across 17 years. Through storytelling and journalism, Daniel amplifies the voices of people with disabilities while promoting inclusion, awareness, and social change. In recognition of his impact, he is a recipient of the Matthew Freeman Award for Social Justice for his efforts through media to give people with disabilities a voice.

Darian Packard is a Content Producer at Special Chronicles and Global Advisor for Special Olympics CHEER, a worldwide inclusive cheerleading movement. She is the mother of four children, including a daughter with Williams syndrome, and is passionate about advancing inclusion and disability awareness.

Linda Smrokowski serves as a Copy Editor at Special Chronicles, bringing her background as a retired foreign language teacher and former Trader Joe’s Crew Member to her editorial work. She is the mother of founder Daniel Smrokowski, as well as a proud mother of two daughters, mother-in-law to two sons-in-law, and a grandmother to two granddaughters and one grandson. Linda is also an active musician, playing flute in the choir at St. Cletus Parish.

Adam Smrokowski is the Business Manager at Special Chronicles. He is the father of Founder Daniel Smrokowski, as well as two daughters, and is a proud father-in-law and grandfather to two granddaughters and one grandson. Adam supports the organization’s mission through leadership, service, and family-centered advocacy.

On this heartfelt episode of Road to Special Olympics 2026 USA Games: A Special Chronicles Podcast Series, host Daniel Smrokowski welcomes Cathy O’Neill, whose daughter Katie will compete in Gymnastics for Team Illinois at the 2026 USA Games. Cathy shares what it means to be part of her athlete’s support system, how her family prepares for the excitement of Minnesota hosting the Games, and the emotional moments that have shaped their journey.

Episode ShowNotes & Links:

Follow the full 10‑part Road to 2026USAGames Series at https://SpecialChronicles.com/2026USAGames for all episodes and subscribe to the full series and remember: Choose To Include.

📱Follow the journey of 3,000 athletes by downloading the USA Games app — search “USA GAMES” in your app store.

👨‍💻Learn more about Special Olympics 2026 USA Games at: https://2026USAGames.org 

🎧 Follow the Special Chronicles Podcast wherever you get your podcasts: https://SpecialChronicles.com/Pod

⭐ Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or your favorite app: https://specialchronicles.com/ApplePodcasts

📺 Watch full episodes (video) on YouTube https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLD01BA706651153C3&si=E7AmCB-2hvFHQbO1

❤️ Support the mission of Special Chronicles by donating at https://specialchronicles.com/ApplePodcasts or joining the PLUS membership at https://specialchronicles.com/Plus

👕 Shop our ‘Disabled Voices Matter’ Merch

📱 Follow us on socials: @SpecialChronicles (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn) https://specialchronicles.com/Socials

📰 Subscribe to the newsletter for the latest updates from Special Chronicles https://specialchronicles.com/Newsletter

Podcast Theme Music: “It Starts With A Voice” written by Amy Wright and performed by Ben Wright, co-founders of Bitty and Beau’s Coffee. Used with permission.

About Our Team:

Daniel Smrokowski is an award-winning podcaster, columnist, and disability advocate, best known as the founder and host of Special Chronicles, a groundbreaking podcast platform featuring over 800 episodes produced across 17 years. Through storytelling and journalism, Daniel amplifies the voices of people with disabilities while promoting inclusion, awareness, and social change. In recognition of his impact, he is a recipient of the Matthew Freeman Award for Social Justice for his efforts through media to give people with disabilities a voice.

Darian Packard is a Content Producer at Special Chronicles and Global Advisor for Special Olympics CHEER, a worldwide inclusive cheerleading movement. She is the mother of four children, including a daughter with Williams syndrome, and is passionate about advancing inclusion and disability awareness.

Linda Smrokowski serves as a Copy Editor at Special Chronicles, bringing her background as a retired foreign language teacher and former Trader Joe’s Crew Member to her editorial work. She is the mother of founder Daniel Smrokowski, as well as a proud mother of two daughters, mother-in-law to two sons-in-law, and a grandmother to two granddaughters and one grandson. Linda is also an active musician, playing flute in the choir at St. Cletus Parish.

Adam Smrokowski is the Business Manager at Special Chronicles. He is the father of Founder Daniel Smrokowski, as well as two daughters, and is a proud father-in-law and grandfather to two granddaughters and one grandson. Adam supports the organization’s mission through leadership, service, and family-centered advocacy.

On this episode of Road to Special Olympics 2026 USA Games: A Special Chronicles Podcast Series, host Daniel Smrokowski spotlights the essential behind‑the‑scenes work that brings the Special Olympics movement to life. We sit down with Katelin Zandi, a dedicated Team Illinois staff member whose communications work helps shape how athletes, families, and fans experience the 2026 USA Games.

Katelin shares how she uses storytelling, media coordination, and on‑site communications to elevate athlete voices and ensure Team Illinois is seen, heard, and celebrated. She reflects on the responsibility of capturing authentic moments, the joy of highlighting athlete achievements, and the teamwork required to keep information flowing during such a massive event.

This episode offers a rare look at the people who make the Games run smoothly — the communicators, organizers, and connectors who help bring inclusion to the world.

Follow the full 10‑part Road to 2026USAGames Series at https://SpecialChronicles.com/2026USAGames for all episodes and subscribe to the full series and remember: Choose To Include.

📱Follow the journey of 3,000 athletes by downloading the USA Games app — search “USA GAMES” in your app store.

👨‍💻Learn more about Special Olympics 2026 USA Games at: https://2026USAGames.org 

🎧 Follow the Special Chronicles Podcast wherever you get your podcasts: https://SpecialChronicles.com/Pod

⭐ Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or your favorite app: https://specialchronicles.com/ApplePodcasts

📺 Watch full episodes (video) on YouTube https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLD01BA706651153C3&si=E7AmCB-2hvFHQbO1

❤️ Support the mission of Special Chronicles by donating at https://specialchronicles.com/ApplePodcasts or joining the PLUS membership at https://specialchronicles.com/Plus

👕 Shop our ‘Disabled Voices Matter’ Merch

📱 Follow us on socials: @SpecialChronicles (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn) https://specialchronicles.com/Socials

📰 Subscribe to the newsletter for the latest updates from Special Chronicles https://specialchronicles.com/Newsletter

Podcast Theme Music: “It Starts With A Voice” written by Amy Wright and performed by Ben Wright, co-founders of Bitty and Beau’s Coffee. Used with permission.

About Our Team:

Daniel Smrokowski is an award-winning podcaster, columnist, and disability advocate, best known as the founder and host of Special Chronicles, a groundbreaking podcast platform featuring over 800 episodes produced across 17 years. Through storytelling and journalism, Daniel amplifies the voices of people with disabilities while promoting inclusion, awareness, and social change. In recognition of his impact, he is a recipient of the Matthew Freeman Award for Social Justice for his efforts through media to give people with disabilities a voice.

Darian Packard is a Content Producer at Special Chronicles and Global Advisor for Special Olympics CHEER, a worldwide inclusive cheerleading movement. She is the mother of four children, including a daughter with Williams syndrome, and is passionate about advancing inclusion and disability awareness.

Linda Smrokowski serves as a Copy Editor at Special Chronicles, bringing her background as a retired foreign language teacher and former Trader Joe’s Crew Member to her editorial work. She is the mother of founder Daniel Smrokowski, as well as a proud mother of two daughters, mother-in-law to two sons-in-law, and a grandmother to two granddaughters and one grandson. Linda is also an active musician, playing flute in the choir at St. Cletus Parish.

Adam Smrokowski is the Business Manager at Special Chronicles. He is the father of Founder Daniel Smrokowski, as well as two daughters, and is a proud father-in-law and grandfather to two granddaughters and one grandson. Adam supports the organization’s mission through leadership, service, and family-centered advocacy.