On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast Series: “A Recap of Turin 2025,” Daniel Smrokowski sits down with Jenny Fortner, a dedicated Special Olympics International Board Member to talk about how she volunteered with her son Joey Fortner, a Yale University student and his friends from Athletes in Action.
Together, they share their personal journeys and deep-rooted commitment to Special Olympics as they reflect on their roles at the 2025 World Winter Games in Turin, Italy. From Jenny's early days as a freshman volunteer at the University of Chicago to Joey's first experience as a student-athlete at the World Winter Games, we dive into their powerful experiences and lessons learned from over three decades of volunteering.
In This Episode, You’ll Hear:
Jenny’s first experience volunteering for Special Olympics as a freshman at the University of Chicago and what inspired her to get involved.
How her journey with Special Olympics has evolved over the past 30 years, and what has kept her passionate about advocating for athletes.
Insights into how Special Olympics has grown and impacted the lives of athletes and their families.
As a current Board Member of Special Olympics, Jenny shares the initiatives and changes she's most proud of contributing to.
Advice for those just starting their volunteer journey with Special Olympics, especially if they’re unsure where to begin.
What has been the most rewarding part of working with Special Olympics athletes, particularly those she’s met at the World Games.
How volunteering with Special Olympics aligns with her personal values and has influenced her perspective on inclusion and community.
Jenny’s hopes for the legacy of her involvement with Special Olympics, both personally and for the organization as a whole.
How Joey first got involved with Special Olympics and what inspired him and his fellow Athletes in Action members from Yale to volunteer at the World Winter Games in Turin.
The impact of volunteering with Special Olympics on him personally and as a student-athlete, and the lessons he’s learned about sport, inclusion, and community.
Joey reflects on his first experience at the Special Olympics World Winter Games and how the event stands out from others.
A specific moment during volunteering that made a lasting impression on him and his team.
The role of student-athletes in Special Olympics and how they contribute to the experience for both themselves and the athletes they support.
Joey shares what it’s like to follow in his mom’s footsteps in the Special Olympics community and his advice for other young people considering volunteering.
What Joey is most excited about for the upcoming 2025 World Winter Games in Turin and how he envisions his role at the event.
What volunteering at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin means to them as a mother-son duo and how this shared experience is special for their family.
Their unique perspectives—Jenny as a Board Member and Joey as a student-athlete volunteer—and how they collaborate and support each other’s work within Special Olympics.
The most impactful lessons they’ve learned from working with Special Olympics athletes and how they carry those lessons into their everyday lives.
Their hopes for the future of Special Olympics as they prepare for the upcoming World Winter Games in Turin and beyond.
Key Takeaways:
The life-changing power of volunteering and the sense of community it creates within Special Olympics.
How Special Olympics provides athletes and volunteers alike with opportunities for growth, inclusion, and connection.
Insights into the unique bond that forms between volunteers and athletes, and the impact that connection has on both groups.
A powerful look at the long-term effects of giving back to the Special Olympics community and the importance of creating inclusive spaces for everyone to thrive.
Episode 772 ShowNotes & Links:
Watch Full Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.