Brave in the Attempt

Brave in the Attempt Brett Griffiths and Erin Magee. Athlete Congress

Brett Griffiths and Erin Magee two Special Olympic athlete's from Canada were honored to be selected as part of the Athlete Congress connected to the 2027 Special Olympics World Games in Chile. Their selection is a reflection of the dedication, leadership, and passion they have shown through their involvement in Special Olympics and athlete leadership programs. As members of Athlete Congress, Brett and Erin will join athlete leaders from around the world to discuss important topics and ideas that can help improve Special Olympics programs worldwide and strengthen opportunities for athletes everywhere. Before being selected, both Brett and Erin attended the Special Olympics North America (SONA) Regional Conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The conference brought together athlete leaders from across the region who were all hoping to earn the opportunity to represent their fellow athletes on the global stage. During the conference, Brett and Erin each prepared and delivered a two-minute speech explaining why they should be chosen to serve on the Athlete Congress. Their speeches focused on their experiences as athletes and leaders within their local Special Olympics programs. They spoke about the importance of inclusion, leadership, athlete voice, and creating opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities. Through their speeches, they showed confidence, passion, and a strong commitment to making a positive difference within the Special Olympics movement. The conference also gave Brett and Erin the opportunity to learn valuable public speaking and leadership skills. They practiced writing speeches, speaking in front of groups, and learning how to clearly communicate ideas that matter to athletes around the world. Their hard work and dedication stood out, helping them earn the honor of being selected for Athlete Congress. What makes their achievement especially meaningful is the journey they have taken. Both Brett Griffiths and Erin Magee began as athlete leaders in their local Special Olympics programs, learning how to advocate for themselves and others in their communities. Now, they are stepping onto a global stage where they will work alongside other athlete leaders to discuss ways to improve Special Olympics worldwide. Their stories show how athlete leadership can grow from local programs into opportunities that make an impact across the world.

Brave in the Attempt Government Relations in Special Olympics Nebraska

In this episode of "Brave in the Attempt," we explore the inspiring origins of Special Olympics Nebraska's Capitol Hill Day. To tell this story, we've combined two insightful interviews. The first features Carolyn Chamberlin, CEO of Special Olympics Nebraska, and Athlete Leader Haley Waggoner, who played a pivotal role in initiating our very own Hill Day to advocate for funding. Haley shares her vision and the lessons learned during the inaugural year, where they took the initiative to engage directly with senators, sharing what Special Olympics is all about. The conversation then shifts to Katie Zullkosik, a lobbyist who provides her perspective on how she and her fellow lobbyist helped spread the word about Special Olympics at the Capitol. She discusses the importance of supporting Carolyn and Haley in setting up meetings with senators. Today, Special Olympics athletes stand proudly on the floor of the state Capitol, connecting with senators and demonstrating the impact of the Special Olympics movement. Thanks to the dedication of athletes and advocates, the senators are now more informed about Special Olympics and how our proposed legislation can change lives for countless individuals. This incredible progress has all been made possible because advocates within the Special Olympics community have courageously used their voices to make a difference.

Brave in the Attempt Michaela Schenklberg

On this episode of Brave in the Attempt, we interviewed Michaela Schenklberg. Michaela shares her experience in early childhood development and the work she does running several Young Athletes summer camps. These camps are designed for children ages 2–7 with intellectual disabilities, helping them learn to interact with others while developing important fine motor skills. Michaela explains that the main goal of these camps is to give children the skills and accommodations they need so they can participate in sports and activities alongside their peers throughout the school year. She also talks about her involvement with Special Olympics, including serving on the board and attending conferences with Special Olympics Nebraska. Through these experiences, she has gained valuable insight and a deeper passion for supporting the organization’s mission. Michaela highlights the joy she feels watching the children achieve their goals during Young Athletes camps, especially seeing the smiles on their faces as they grow in confidence and ability.

Brave in the Attempt Athletes/ family members Adam and JR Kronberg

On this episode of Brave in the Attempt, we interview Special Olympics athletes Adam and JR Kornberg. JR and Adam share not only the bond of teammates, but also that of uncle and nephew. Together, they’ve experienced incredible opportunities competing in Special Olympics sports side by side. This summer, their journey comes full circle as they take the flag football field together at the Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota. Wyatt, Adam, and JR reflect on what it was like being teammates with Fremont Special Olympics, sharing stories about the unforgettable memories they made together on the football field and the basketball court. Adam and JR also share the impact Special Olympics has made not just  there lives but there entire family as well.

Brave in the Attempt Athletes Isaiah Pope and Addie Davis. Heading to USA Games!

Brave in the Attempt Podcast is sharing two powerful interviews with athletes heading to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. Meet Isaiah Pope and Addie Davis, who have been chosen to represent Special Olympics Nebraska at the USA Games in Minnesota this summer. 🏅 Isaiah will compete in Track, and Addie will compete in Bocce. In these episodes, Isaiah and Addie share their incredible stories and how competing in Special Olympics has shaped their confidence, friendships, and lives both on and off the field.