- 27 minutes 16 secondsLive From 2026USAGames Ep.7: Inside the Fan Zone
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
Episode 852 ShowNotes & Links👨💻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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❤️ Support the mission of Special Chronicles by donating or joining the PLUS membership
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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.
About Our Team: click here to meet our team20 July 2026, 8:18 pm - 13 minutes 30 secondsLive From 2026USAGames Ep.6: Opening Ceremony
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.
Episode 851 ShowNotes & Links👨💻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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❤️ Support the mission of Special Chronicles by donating or joining the PLUS membership
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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.
About Our Team: click here to meet our team6 July 2026, 4:57 pm - 31 minutes 35 secondsLive From 2026USAGames Ep.5: Healthy Athletes [Audio Updated]
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.
Episode 850 ShowNotes & Links🩺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
👕 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.
About Our Team: Click here to meet our team
3 July 2026, 12:01 am - 53 minutes 50 secondsRoad To 2026USAGames: The Family Perspective: Love, Support, and the Journey to the USA Games
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.
She also discusses the importance of coach–family relationships, how she helps Katie manage nerves, and the growth she’s witnessed as her daughter trains for the national stage. Cathy’s perspective beautifully captures the love, sacrifice, and pride that families bring to the Special Olympics movement.
Episode 849 ShowNotes & Links📱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
👕 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.
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.
27 June 2026, 5:00 am - 32 minutes 43 secondsRoad To 2026USAGames: Communications, Storytelling, and the Heart of Team Illinois
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.
Episode 848 ShowNotes & Links📱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
👕 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.
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.
26 June 2026, 5:00 am - 26 minutes 51 secondsRoad To 2026USAGames: The Coach’s Perspective: Building a Support System with Heart
On this episode of Road to Special Olympics 2026 USA Games: A Special Chronicles Podcast Series, host Daniel Smrokowski sits down with Coach Matt Corso, Head Coach for Team Illinois Bowling, to explore the deep impact coaches have on athletes preparing for the 2026 USA Games. Matt opens up about his coaching philosophy, the intentional preparation that goes into a national competition, and how he recognizes when an athlete needs extra support — mentally, emotionally, or physically.
He also reflects on the importance of family partnerships, the pressure of competing on a national stage, and the memorable moments that remind him why inclusion matters. This conversation shines a light on the heart, patience, and purpose behind every great coach.
Episode 847 ShowNotes & Links📱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
👕 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.
About Our Team:aniel 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.
25 June 2026, 5:00 am - 39 minutes 4 secondsRoad To 2026USAGames: Sharon Laliberte - Unified Cornhole, SO Rhode Island
On this episode of “Road to Special Olympics 2026 USA Games: a Special Chronicles Podcast Series,” we spotlight a groundbreaking moment in USA Games history: the debut of Unified Cornhole. Representing Special Olympics Rhode Island, Unified partner Sharon Laliberte shares what it means to compete in a sport built on teamwork, trust, and inclusion.
Sharon reflects on the power of Unified Sports, the friendships formed through competition, and the pride of helping introduce a new event to the national stage. Her story shows how inclusion isn’t just a value — it’s a way of competing, connecting, and creating opportunities for athletes everywhere.
Episode 846 ShowNotes & Links📱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
👕 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.
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.
24 June 2026, 5:00 am - 19 minutes 57 secondsRoad To 2026USAGames: Amanda Propheter — Swimming, Team Illinois
On this episode of “Road to Special Olympics 2026 USA Games: a Special Chronicles Podcast Series,” we return to the water with Amanda Propheter, a swimmer whose positivity and drive ripple through every practice. Amanda talks about the support system that lifts her up, the challenges she’s faced along the way, and the belief — in herself and from others — that fuels her journey to the USA Games.
Her energy is contagious, her determination inspiring, and her story a reminder that confidence grows one stroke at a time.
Dive deeper into Amanda’s motivation and her future goals.
Episode 845 ShowNotes & Links📱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
👕 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.
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.
23 June 2026, 5:00 am - 53 minutes 39 secondsUnified Cheer--Team SO Mississippi Road to the 2026 USA Games
In this episode of Road to Special Olympics 2026 USA Games: a Special Chronicles Podcast Series, Host Daniel Smrokowski sits down with Coach Erin, athlete Libby Cheney, and unified partner Marian Lynch from Special Olympics Mississippi Interscholastic Division of Competitive Cheer team. Together, we share how Unified Cheer builds confidence, teamwork, leadership, and lifelong friendships. You’ll hear how inclusion comes alive in their school community, what it takes to prepare for competition, and what representing Oklahoma on the Road to the 2026 USA Games means to them.
Highlights in this episode:
- The origin of their Unified cheer program
- How athletes and unified partners support each other
- What practices and competitions look like in the Interscholastic Division
- The coach’s perspective on building a culture of inclusion
- Their goals and excitement for the 2026 USA Games
- A message to listeners about why Unified Champion Schools matter
📱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
👕 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.
About Our Team22 June 2026, 5:00 am - 40 minutes 6 secondsUnified Cheer--Team SO Oklahoma’s Road to the 2026 USA Games
On this episode of Road to Special Olympics 2026 USA Games: A Special Chronicles Podcast Series, Podcast Host Daniel Smrokowski sits down with Coach Christina Gould from the Special Olympics Oklahoma Interscholastic Division of Competitive Cheer team.
Together, we share how Unified Cheer builds confidence, teamwork, leadership, and lifelong friendships. You’ll hear how inclusion comes alive in their school community, what it takes to prepare for competition, and what representing Oklahoma on the Road to the 2026 USA Games means to them.
Highlights in this episode:
- The origin of their Unified cheer program
- How athletes and unified partners support each other
- What practices and competitions look like in the Interscholastic Division
- The coach’s perspective on building a culture of inclusion
- Their goals and excitement for the 2026 USA Games
- A message to listeners about why Unified Champion Schools matter
📱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
👕 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.
About Our Team21 June 2026, 5:00 am - 10 minutes 12 secondsRoad To 2026USAGames: Val Densler — Swimming, Team Illinois
On this episode of “Road to Special Olympics 2026 USA Games: a Special Chronicles Podcast Series,” we dive into the pool with Team Illinois swimmer Val Densler, whose determination is as strong as her stroke. In this conversation, Val opens up about her training routine, the challenges she’s overcome, and the motivation that keeps her pushing toward Minnesota. Her story is a powerful reminder that every lap, every practice, and every moment of effort brings her one step closer to the USA Games.
Val’s journey shows what it means to stay committed, stay focused, and stay inspired on the road to competition.
Episode 842 ShowNotes & Links📱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
👕 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.
About Our Team20 June 2026, 5:00 am - More Episodes? Get the App