On episode 3 of Road to Special Olympics USA Games: A Special Chronicles Podcast Series, “The Athletes Journey” we explore what it truly takes for Special Olympics athletes to prepare for the 2026 USA Games. Join Daniel Smrokowski, Podcast Host, Special Olympics Illinois Athlete Leader and former Sargent Shriver Global Messenger, as he talks with athletes about their stories of motivation, training routines, overcoming obstacles, support systems, the setbacks that shaped their resilience, and goals driving them toward 2026 USA Games in Minnesota. Tune in as athletes share their stories of motivation, overcoming obstacles, support systems, their biggest dreams for the Games, and defining inclusion on and off the field. Plus we hear a powerful conversation with a unified partner making history with Unified Cornhole at the 2026 USA Games! Chapter Markers: 2:00 - Val Densler, Swimming SO Illinois 12:50 - Katie O’Neill, Gymnastics SO Illinois 33:33 Amanda Propheter, Swimming SO Illinois 54:18 Sharon Laliberte, Unified Cornhole SO Rhode Island Episode 839 ShowNotes & Links 🎧Follow the full 10‑part Road to 2026USAGames Series at SpecialChronicles.com/2026USAGames for all episodes and subscribe to the full series and remember: Choose To Include. 👍 Like, subscribe, and share to support inclusion and amplify the voices of athletes and volunteers. 📱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 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 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. 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:
