CLEVELAND – Sep. 3, 2024 – Greater Cleveland Sports Commission has entered a highly competitive bidding process for the 2030 Special Olympics USA Games. Special Olympics USA Games are hosted every four years in major cities that welcome more than 5,500 athletes and coaches from all 50 states and the Caribbean, as well as 100,000 family members and attendees. The 8-day event includes 16+ sports and daily programs focused on athlete and family wellness. Estimated to bring $70+ to the local economy, the impact and legacy of the event would be immeasurable.
The bid process will provide a chance to showcase Northeast Ohio as the premier destination for inclusion with an unrivaled history of hosting world class events and a relentless commitment to longstanding legacy. Much like other large-scale sporting events, a competitive bid process will be conducted to select a host that has the infrastructure, resources and active community support needed to operate a successful Games. Cleveland 2030 Host Committee spans across the State of Ohio and includes Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, Destination Cleveland, Special Olympics Ohio, City of Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, State of Ohio, congressional leadership, corporate leadership, universities, hospital systems, GCRTA, and many other relevant stakeholders to assure a cohesive host partnership indicative of how our community pulls together to make big things happen.
“These Games give Cleveland the opportunity to host one of the most significant gatherings our region has ever seen” said David Gilbert, President and CEO of Greater Cleveland Sports Commission and Destination Cleveland. “The impact would have generational implications for individuals with intellectual disabilities, their families, and our community’s commitment to inclusion.”
“We are incredibly honored to work alongside the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission to launch our bid to host the 2030 Special Olympics USA Games. This is an opportunity to celebrate and showcase the extraordinary abilities, resilience, and spirit of our athletes from across the nation” said Jessica Stewart, President and Chief Executive Officer of Special Olympics Ohio. “This event embodies the values of inclusion, unity, and determination, and we are committed to providing an unforgettable experience for all participants. Together, we will shine a spotlight on the power of sport to inspire change and bring communities together in support of a more inclusive world.”
Cleveland’s bid for the 2030 Special Olympics USA Games is due in October, and we need the support of the community. All Ohioans are encouraged to join the movement and be part of history to bring this national event to Northeast Ohio. Pledge your support by committing to volunteering, attending opening/closing ceremonies, and cheering on the incredible athletes at SpecialOlympicsCleveland.com.
Special Olympics serves as the world’s largest sports organization empowering people with intellectual disabilities, and the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota will mark the largest sporting event in the US that year. Show the world why Cleveland is The Land of Hope, Heart, and Heroes. Learn more by watching this video.
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About Greater Cleveland Sports Commission: Since 2000, Greater Cleveland Sports Commission (GCSC) is responsible for attracting over 260 sporting events which provide more than $986 million in economic activity to Northeast Ohio. GCSC serves to measurably improve the economy of Greater Cleveland and enrich the community by attracting, creating, managing and enhancing significant sporting and competitive events. For more information, visit clevelandsports.org.
About Special Olympics Ohio: Special Olympics Ohio is part of the global inclusion movement using sports, health, education, and leadership programs to empower people with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics Ohio provides year-round sports training and competition in 19 different sports for 20,000 children and adults, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community. For more information, visit sooh.org