Daniel Smrokowski

Daniel sits down with Claudia Southwell— Sports Development Coordinator with Special Olympics Activity Zone; LOC at a Young Athletes demonstration. Check it out!

Daniel heads to Healthy Athletes and talks to Andreas Batstatos, a clinical Director for Fun Fitness.

Daniel speaks to Volunteers from U.S., Dylan Tallaih James Ingham about how they are supporting the Berlin 2023 Games.

On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast: We’re on the Road to Berlin 2023 for a conversation with Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023 CEO Sven Albrecht joins Podcast Host Daniel Smrokowski to talk about the world’s largest inclusive sports event happening this week 17 – 25 June 2023!

Daniel talks to German Volunteer: Therese Heidenreich about how she is supporting the Berlin 2023 Games.

I have four meaningful goals for this year that I hope to accomplish, with the love and support of my mentors and staff from Special Olympics and my family and friends.

My time at the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games was a magical and impactful experience. My role as a Sargent Shriver International Global Messenger (SSIGM) was as an honored guest. During my time at USA Games in Orlando, Florida, I had an audible part in the Opening Ceremony, co-led an introduction to Unified Leadership training, and had fun at Disney’s Animal and Magic Kingdoms, just to name a few of my most memorable USA Games moments.

Preparing for a big competition takes both mental and physical exercise. This month, I’ll share with you how I prepare for state competitions and my advice on overcoming any nerves. Personally, I’ve only competed at regional and state competitions for Special Olympics Illinois. You can apply the tips I share to national or world games competitions.

I first met Karen Milligan about fifteen years ago at beginner Special Olympics Athlete Leadership training. Even though Karen is smaller in stature than a lot of us attending, I noticed right away that she had a big personality. She was warm and friendly. It was clear that she really loved Special Olympics. For years now, I’ve had many experiences alongside Karen. Her personality and her actions make me feel a part of a larger family, the Special Olympics family.

In over a decade of participation in Special Olympics, I’ve learned many athlete leadership skills that have helped me, and any athlete, move into an inclusive workplace. In today’s blog piece I will share with you five Special Olympics Athlete Leadership skills that have prepared me for my current employment at United Airlines, which includes: public speaking and interviews, getting outside of myself, having a global perspective, taking initiative, and valuing all members of a team.