#074: Special Olympics - 2022 & 2026 USA Games – Christine Sovereign, Joe Dzaluk and Dave Dorn

The Special Olympics exists in every corner of the globe and has supported over five million athletes. Fran Racioppi travels to Minneapolis to sit down with the leaders of the 2022 and the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, Joe Dzaluk, Christine Sovereign and David Dorn. 

The 2022 USA Games in Orlando, through partnership with Jersey Mike's Subs, set a record and a new standard for financial support to the games. Jersey Mike's CEO Peter Cancro is an original member of our Jedburgh Team and committed 100% of sales during the Annual Day of Giving to the 2022 Games, this totaled $20 million. 

The group covers the history of the Special Olympics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver's call to action, the Special Olympics place as the leader of inclusion before inclusion was even a term in mainstream society, Jersey Mike's unprecedented leadership and example in giving, and what to expect for 2026. 

Learn more about Special Olympics at specialolympics.org and @specialolympics. 

Read the full episode transcription here and learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Check out the full video version on YouTube.

Highlights: 

-Joe, Christine and Dave share why they got involved with Special Olympics and how Special Olympics opens its doors to athletes of all backgrounds, disabilities and abilities. (9:15))

-The group explains why Special Olympics has led society in diversity, equity and inclusion over the past 50 years. (18:10)

-Jersey Mike’s gave 100% of revenue from the annual Day of Giving to Special Olympics totaling $20 million. (27:32) 

-Joe reflects back on the 2022 Games in Orlando discussing both the athletic events and the over 13,000 health exams provided to the athletes. (33:46)

-Christine and Dave share the focus for the 2026 Games and Jersey Mike’s commitment to continued support. (40:32)

Quotes: 

-”Most people think about it as just a track and field event, and now you see it is really a movement about inclusion.” (6:59)

-”Unified sports is people with and without disabilities playing on the same field, playing on the same team.” (7:45)

-”You can run the 50 yard dash in eight seconds or you can run the 50 yard dash in 8 minutes. We’re still going to take you.”  (14:10)

-”The Special Olympics oath…talks about ‘if I can’t in let me be brave in the attempt.” (20:30)

-”He looked at me. He goes, “Joe, are you listening to me? I’m giving to give.”(30:19)

-“It was just a great overall experience, a great partnership, and a great example of what corporate America can do.” (32:52) 

-”It ultimately comes down to acceptance. Inclusion has to be there to be accepted.” (44:32)

Special Olympics Three Daily Foundations to Success

-Keep the mission of acceptance in the forefront

-Surround ourselves with a dedicated team

-Remember the legacy of Special Olympics

This episode is brought to you by Jersey Mike’s, 18A Fitness, and Analytix Solutions