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

🎧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

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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

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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 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

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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 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.

• The moment that defined the 2026 USA Games
• The lasting legacy for athletes, families, and communities
• How athlete leaders influenced the culture of the Games
• The future of Unified Sports nationwide
• The long‑term impact of Healthy Athletes screenings
• Inclusion momentum in Minneapolis–St. Paul
• National conversations sparked by the Games
• Behind‑the‑scenes decisions, challenges, and breakthroughs
• Inspiring the next generation of athletes
• What inclusion means today
• A call to action for listeners

Chapter Markers: 00:00 Introduction 10:00 Looking Back 15:00 Defining Legacy 25:00 Leadership Perspective 36:00 Athlete Leadership 44:00 Unified Sports Growth 49:00 Healthy Athletes Legacy 01:00:00 Host City, National Movement, and Corporate Partner Legacy 01:10:00 Challenges & Breakthroughs 01:12:56 Personal Reflection 01:18:45 Next Generation 01:20:00 Movement Evolution 01:23:45 Sustaining Inclusion 01:28:45 Message to Athletes 01:30:00 Message to Families 01:32:20 Call to Action 01:35:00 Define Inclusion

👍 Like, Subscribe & Share Help us continue telling stories that celebrate inclusion, leadership, and the power of the Special Olympics movement.

Watch this Full Episode on YouTube - Streaming Now!

👨‍💻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

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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 of the Special Chronicles Podcast recorded on location from the Chicago Ducky Derby 2026, we bring you the excitement of 90,000 ducks splashing into the Chicago River from the Columbus Drive Bridge — all benefiting Special Olympics Illinois.

You’ll hear conversations with sponsors RSM and WayMo, as well as media partners WBBM NewsRadio and WBEZ Chicago Public Radio, who helped share this incredible day with the community.

Make sure you like and subscribe to Special Chronicles, the longest‑running and #1 Special Olympics athlete‑led podcast series covering Special Olympics intellectual disability stories, athlete leadership, and inclusion.

00:00 Introduction 01:55 RSM sponsor 04:30 Waymo sponsor 08:18 WBEZ Chicago Public Radio 15:00 WBBM News Radio 18:49: WBBM Interviewed SOILL Athlete Leaders Daniel Smrokowski and Ryan Murray 21:56 Ducks Drop in the Chicago River 22:13 Closing with a special Choose To Include montage

Help us continue telling stories that celebrate inclusion, leadership, and the power of the Special Olympics movement.

Click here to Watch this Full Episode on YouTube

🦆 Follow and listen to this and more Ducky Derby conversations — and to learn all about the event, head to SpecialChronicles.com/Duck

🎧 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

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

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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.

Click here to meet our team

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.

Tune in as Daniel co‑emcees this event alongside fellow Health Messenger Kayte Barton, as they welcome leaders from the University of Minnesota, United Healthcare, and Special Olympics International — including Dr. Brian Sick, Vice Provost for Academic Health Sciences at the University of Minnesota abd Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics; Spencer Merchant, Senior Product Director at United Healthcare; and Dr. Dimitri Christakis, Special Olympics Chief Health Officer; and Maria Shriver, whose mom founded Special Olympics — to celebrate the world’s largest health program for people with intellectual disabilities.

Kayte shares her powerful journey as a mental health advocate and her role in shaping Strong Minds, while Daniel reflects on how Healthy Athletes has supported him personally — from Opening Eyes providing sports goggles and glasses to Healthy Hearing fitting him with hearing aids just last week.

Together, Daniel and Kayte lead Unified tours through Healthy Athletes, showing how inclusive health isn’t just a service — it’s a promise. A promise of dignity, access, and quality care for every athlete.

This is what inclusion looks like. This is Healthy Athletes.

🩺Learn more about Special Olympics Healthy Athletes

📱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: 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

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📱 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.

About Our Team: Click here to meet our team

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 USAGames.

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.

👨‍💻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

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📱 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 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. This is athlete leadership in action. This is the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games.

Click here to Watch this 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 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 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.