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.

🎧 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

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

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.

Click here to Watch Full Episode on YouTube

🎧 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.

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

🎧Follow the Podcast Series: Road to Special Olympics 2026 USA Games: a Special Chronicles Podcast Series for all episodes and subscribe to the full series

🎧 Follow the Special Chronicles Podcast wherever you get your podcasts

⭐ Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or your favorite app

📺 Watch full episodes (video) on YouTube

❤️ Support the mission of Special Chronicles by donating or joining the PLUS membership

👕 Shop our ‘Disabled Voices Matter’ Merch

📱 Follow us on socials: @SpecialChronicles (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn)

📰 Subscribe to the newsletter for the latest updates from Special Chronicles

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.

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.

Watch this Full Episode on YouTube

🎧 Catch the full conversations at: Road to Special Olympics 2026 USA Games

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:

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

🎧Follow the Podcast Series: Road to Special Olympics 2026 USA Games: a Special ChroniclesPodcast Series for all episodes and subscribe to the full series

🎧 Follow the Special Chronicles Podcast wherever you get your podcasts

⭐ Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or your favorite app

📺 Watch full episodes (video) on YouTube

❤️ Support the mission of Special Chronicles by donating or joining the PLUS membership

👕 Shop our ‘Disabled Voices Matter’ Merch

📱 Follow us on socials: @SpecialChronicles (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn)

📰 Subscribe to the newsletter for the latest updates from Special Chronicles

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.