City of Cleveland to make bid to host the 2030 Special Olympics USA Games

Cleveland is making a bid to host the 2030 Special Olympics USA Games.

The Greater Cleveland Sports Commission announced Tuesday that plans are moving forward to begin lobbying to host the games.

The Special Olympics USA Games − like the International Olympic Games − are held every four years in a different U.S. host city.

Some 5,500 athletes and coaches from all 50 states and the Caribbean typically participate with another 100,000 family members and friends also in attendance.

The events span eight days and covers more than 16 different sports.

It is estimated that the games could bring some $70 million into the Northeast Ohio economy.

These events are big business.

When the city hosted the NCAA Women’s Final Four this past spring, that event is estimated to have generated $32.9 million in direct spending in Northeast Ohio.

“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 in a statement. “The impact would have generational implications for individuals with intellectual disabilities, their families, and our community’s commitment to inclusion.”

The city's Host Committee will include representatives from the state, the sports commission, Destination Cleveland, Special Olympics Ohio, the city of Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, congressional leadership, corporate leadership, universities, hospital systems and the RTA.

The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games will be in Minneapolis.

“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 CEO of Special Olympics Ohio, in a statement. “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 official bid for the 2030 Special Olympics USA Games will be due in October.

Organizers are already asking residents to visit SpecialOlympicsCleveland.com to see how they can volunteer.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: City of Cleveland to make bid to host the 2030 Special Olympics USA Games