In this episode of Road to Special Olympics 2026 USA Games: a Special Chronicles Podcast Series, Host Daniel Smrokowski sits down with Coach Erin, athlete Libby Cheney, and unified partner Marian Lynch from Special Olympics Mississippi Interscholastic Division of Competitive Cheer team. Together, we share how Unified Cheer builds confidence, teamwork, leadership, and lifelong friendships. You’ll hear how inclusion comes alive in their school community, what it takes to prepare for competition, and what representing Oklahoma on the Road to the 2026 USA Games means to them.

Highlights in this episode:

• The origin of their Unified cheer program
• How athletes and unified partners support each other
• What practices and competitions look like in the Interscholastic Division
• The coach’s perspective on building a culture of inclusion
• Their goals and excitement for the 2026 USA Games
• A message to listeners about why Unified Champion Schools matter

📱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: 2026USAGames.org

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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.