In this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast, Host Daniel Smrokowski sits down with Austin Graf, Recreation Specialist at SEASPAR and Special Olympics Illinois coach. Daniel and Austin first met at the 2025 Special Olympics Illinois Summer Games, where Austin coached Daniel in bocce at the state championships.

Austin shares the story of how he discovered his passion for coaching, the moment he realized college wasn’t the right path, and how that decision led him to SEASPAR — where he now supports athletes with developmental disabilities every day.

This conversation explores purpose, inclusion, mentorship, and the joy of coaching. It’s a heartfelt look at what happens when someone chooses to build a career around empowering others.

Chapter Marks: 00:00 Welcome 06:30 Austin's Origin Story 11:45 Finding SEASPAR 17:30 Coaching athletes at 2025 Special Olympics Illinois Summer Games 24:30 Inclusion & Impact 31:50 Fun Segment including what animal should be SEASPAR's mascot? 38:30 Closing Segment including advice for future Special Olympics Coaches

• Learn more about SEASPAR Special Recreation Association — seaspar.org
• Find Special Olympics program near you or SO Illinois at soill.org

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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.

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.

Read more about Daniel | Discover Daniel’s Story – Listen here