In this special encore episode of The Special Chronicles Podcast, host Daniel Smrokowski welcomes Michelle Mark, Director of Athlete Leadership and Family Initiatives, and Emily Sullivan, Assistant Director of Athlete Leadership and Family Initiatives at Special Olympics Illinois.

Together, they dive into the future of Athlete Leadership through the newly redesigned Athlete Leadership University (ALU) — a structured pathway empowering athletes to build skills, strengthen their voices, and lead the inclusion movement.

They discuss what it means to be an athlete leader today, why the new ALU structure was created, how it supports leadership development at every stage, and how athlete voices are shaping the future of Special Olympics Illinois.

Whether you’re an Athlete Leader or just beginning your journey, this conversation offers inspiring insight into how athletes are driving meaningful change.

This episode originally Aired on August 18, 2025

Listen anytime, anywhere, on your favorite podcast apps at https://specialchronicles.com/podcast822

The post Inside Special Olympics Illinois’ New Athlete Leadership University | Ep.822 first appeared on Special Chronicles.