Special Olympics Illinois: Summer Games Audio Documentary | Ep.777

In this special audio documentary episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast, Host Daniel Smrokowski takes you behind the scenes of the 2025 Special Olympics Illinois State Summer Games in Normal, IL! From the powerful Tribute to Champions Reception, to the walk with his SEASPAR team, inspiring Opening Ceremony speeches, and his personal reflections after an intense Bocce competition—this episode brings you along for the full journey. Daniel placed 4th in an incredibly close match that went into overtime—coming down to just 1/8 of an inch! Hear the sounds, the emotions, and the inspiration of the Summer Games through Daniel’s firsthand storytelling and audio coverage. What You’ll Hear: 1:30 - Opening Segment 3:25 - Audio from the Tribute to Champions Reception 12:00 - Walking to meet Daniel’s team at the dorms 23:15 - Meet SEASPAR's new Special Olympics Athletic Director Jared 28:00 - Team SEASPAR Walks into Opening Ceremony Highlights from the Opening Ceremony speeches: 35:00 - Illinois State Representatives 40:00 - Athlete Leader Board Member Colleen Costello 45:00 - SO Illinois Board Chair 50:00 - SO USA Athlete Mallory Malvin 54:00 -- SO Illinois CEO 1:00:00 - Athlete Oath 1:01:20 - Law Enforcement Torch Run 1:07:00 - Intro to Drone Show 1:09:00 - Reflections on representing SEASPAR in Bocce 1:15:00 - 💬 Special Segment: Inside the Action with Eric Baumann Athlete Leader shares personal commentary on the energy, excitement, and spirit of the Games. Through Eric’s lens, hear what inclusion, determination, and the Special Olympics movement truly sound like. 1:20:00 - Closing Segment 🧡 Until next time—Stay Empowered. Stay Cool. And Choose To Include. ShowNotes & Links: Get involved in Special Olympics Illinois: http://soill.org Find Special Olympics Near You: https://www.specialolympics.org/programs If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, rate, and review the show. Share it with a friend, coach, or teammate! 🎧Follow and Listen to the Special Chronicles Podcast on SpecialChronicles or Wherever You Get Podcasts: https://SpecialChronicles.com/POD 📺LIke watching your podcasts? Visit https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLD01BA706651153C3&si=1LdygYBIuMJbTBkX to see full episodes on YouTube. 😀Support This Podcast: https://SpecialChronicles.com/Donate ➕Join SpecialChronicles+PLUS! Go to: https://SpecialChronicles.com/PLUS for our Premium Pre Show with behind the scenes podcast chats, exclusive bonus content, and to help support the show. 🛒Visit our Merch Shop: https://SpecialChronicles.com/SHOP 📧Send us an Email: https://SpecialChronicles.com/CONTACT 📱Get Social with us: https://SpecialChronicles.com/SOCIALS 📧Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://SpecialChronicles.com/NEWSLETTER 🎤Speaking Engagements with Daniel: https://SpecialChronicles.com/SPEAKING 💡ComEd EnergyForce Partner: https://SpecialChronicles.com/COMED ✈️United Bridge BRG Partner: https://SpecialChronicles.com/UNITED 🎙️Podcast Hosting by Podbean: https://SpecialChronicles.com/PODBEAN 📡Recording Studio by StreamYard: https://SpecialChronicles.com/STREAMYARD 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: https://specialchronicles.com/BittyandBeausCoffee . . . . . . About the Podcast Host: Daniel Smrokowski is a columnist and the founder and host of the award-winning podcast, Special Chronicles, which has released over 750 episodes in over 15 years. In recognition of these accomplishments, Daniel is a recipient of the Matthew Freeman Award for Social Justice for his efforts through media to give people with disabilities a voice. Read more about Daniel HERE: https://specialchronicles.com/DanielSmrokowski