Cleveland, Ohio – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine joined officials from the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission and Special Olympics Ohio last week to show support for Cleveland’s bid to host the 2030 Special Olympics USA Games. Cleveland is one of only two finalist cities competing for the honor of organizing this prestigious event, which celebrates athletes with intellectual disabilities from across the nation.
Cleveland Welcomes Special Olympics Officials
This week, members of the Special Olympics Bid Evaluation Committee visited Cleveland to assess the city’s ability to host the games. During their visit, they toured potential venues, including Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, the home of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Cleveland Monsters. This world-class arena is being considered as the official venue for the opening and closing ceremonies of the games.
At the event, Governor DeWine expressed his strong support for Cleveland’s bid, emphasizing the city’s welcoming spirit and exceptional facilities:
“Cleveland is the perfect home for the 2030 Special Olympics USA Games, its athletes, families, and fans across the country. We are fully committed to bringing a national sporting event with so much heart right here to Ohio, The Heart of it All. This is a great opportunity to showcase the best of our state, in a city that is known for the welcoming spirit of its people and its world-class venues.”
The Impact of Hosting the Games
The Special Olympics USA Games are held every four years, featuring more than 16 sports and daily wellness programs designed to support athletes and their families. If Cleveland is selected, it would become the largest inclusive sports event in the city’s history, drawing:
- Over 5,500 athletes and coaches from all 50 states
- More than 100,000 spectators, including families, fans, and volunteers
- An estimated $70 million economic impact for the local community
Beyond the financial benefits, hosting the event would create a lasting legacy for inclusion and accessibility in Ohio. David Gilbert, President and CEO of the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, emphasized how the games would inspire the city:
“Hosting the 2030 Special Olympics USA Games would provide a benefit well beyond the financial impact. Through the power of sports, the Special Olympics athletes will inspire our community to embrace a broader perspective on human talents and potential. I can’t think of a better legacy than one of inclusion and acceptance.”
A Major Milestone for Special Olympics Ohio
The event would also be a landmark moment for Special Olympics Ohio, which provides year-round training and competitive opportunities for children and adults with disabilities. The organization has over 20,000 athletes across all 88 counties and is supported by 2,000 active volunteers.
Jessica Stewart, President and CEO of Special Olympics Ohio, highlighted the importance of bringing the games to Cleveland:
“For Special Olympics Ohio, hosting the 2030 USA Games would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, helping us advance our identity as a legitimate sports organization. The awareness and understanding of Special Olympics that the community will gain through preparation and hosting would open doors and further our ability to engage more athletes with intellectual disabilities.”
A City Ready to Welcome the Games
Cleveland’s bid has already gained overwhelming community support. More than 12,000 people have signed up to volunteer for the 2030 Special Olympics USA Games, demonstrating Ohio’s enthusiasm for hosting the event.
As Cleveland competes against the final remaining city for the hosting rights, local officials, business leaders, and community members continue to rally behind the bid. If awarded the games, Cleveland will not only celebrate the achievements of thousands of athletes but also reinforce its reputation as an inclusive, vibrant, and welcoming city.
