Road To 2026USAGames: Val Densler — Swimming, Team Illinois

On this episode of “Road to Special Olympics 2026 USA Games: a Special Chronicles Podcast Series,” we dive into the pool with Team Illinois swimmer Val Densler, whose determination is as strong as her stroke. In this conversation, Val opens up about her training routine, the challenges she’s overcome, and the motivation that keeps her pushing toward Minnesota. Her story is a powerful reminder that every lap, every practice, and every moment of effort brings her one step closer to the USA Games. Val’s journey shows what it means to stay committed, stay focused, and stay inspired on the road to competition. Episode ShowNotes & Links: Follow the full 10‑part Road to 2026USAGames Series at https://SpecialChronicles.com/2026USAGames for all episodes and subscribe to the full series and remember: Choose To Include. 📱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: https://2026USAGames.org  🎧 Follow the Special Chronicles Podcast wherever you get your podcasts: https://SpecialChronicles.com/Pod ⭐ Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or your favorite app: https://specialchronicles.com/ApplePodcasts 📺 Watch full episodes (video) on YouTube https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLD01BA706651153C3&si=E7AmCB-2hvFHQbO1 ❤️ Support the mission of Special Chronicles by donating at https://specialchronicles.com/ApplePodcasts or joining the PLUS membership at https://specialchronicles.com/Plus 👕 Shop our ‘Disabled Voices Matter’ Merch 📱 Follow us on socials: @SpecialChronicles (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn) https://specialchronicles.com/Socials 📰 Subscribe to the newsletter for the latest updates from Special Chronicles https://specialchronicles.com/Newsletter 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: About Our Team: 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 post Road To 2026USAGames: Val Densler — Swimming, Team Illinois first appeared on Special Chronicles.