CLEVELAND — 2024 has been a banner year for hosting sporting events in Cleveland with the success of the NCAA Women's Final Four and the Pan-American Masters Games.
Now, the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission is hoping to bring another major event to town as it will bid to host the 2030 Special Olympics USA Games.
The commission says the Special Olympic 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 games last for eight days and include "16+ sports and daily programs focused on athlete and family wellness."
How much of an impact might the Special Olympics USA Games have for Cleveland? The commission says they are estimated to bring $70M+ to the local economy, providing an impact and legacy that would be "immeasurable."
“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.”
So what happens next?
The Greater Cleveland Sports Commission says it will enter "a highly competitive bidding process" to try 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."
Cleveland's bid for the 2030 Special Olympics USA is due in October. Organizers are asking Ohioans to pledge their support HERE.
The Cleveland 2030 Host Committee includes "the 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."