Daniel Smrokowski

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.

“Just like in the Olympics and just like right now, we have to get back up, we have to throw ourselves towards the finish line and we have to continuously keep adapting and reinventing ourselves.”

Special Olympics Sargent Shriver International Global Messenger Daniel Smrokowski is the founder and host of the podcast Special Chronicles Show, which he started in 2008 to give voice to people with special needs.

Loretta Claiborne has traveled the world with Special Olympics since starting to compete in 1970 with Special Olympics Pennsylvania. Over the past 50 years, she’s grown into one of Special Olympics’ most influential voices.

The 10 Sargent Shriver International Global Messengers (SSIGM) gathered in a Ritz-Carlton Grand Canal Hotel during the 2019 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Looking to recording an interesting podcast that keeps people’s attention? Award-winning and veteran podcaster, Dan Smrokowski (Special Olympics Illinois) offers these tips on how to create compelling content for audio and video podcasts.

The Special Olympics movement is driven by our volunteers with more than 1.1 million donating their time and expertise. Andy Grammer, triple-platinum singer/songwriter, stepped up this year as a volunteer coach for the 2020 NBA Cares Special Olympics Unified Basketball Game.