The recommendation comes after a months-long bid process in which Cleveland was one of two publicly known finalists, along with Nashville, Tennessee.
CLEVELAND — Cleveland has been recommended by the Special Olympics North America site selection committee to host the 2030 Special Olympics USA Games, Greater Cleveland Sports Commission President David Gilbert announced on Wednesday.
The recommendation comes after a months-long bid process in which Cleveland was one of two publicly known finalists, along with Nashville, Tennessee.
According to the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, over the next few months, Special Olympics, Greater Cleveland Sports Commission and Special Olympics Ohio will work to finalize an agreement.
3News previously reported that the Special Olympics are expected to bring more than 5,500 athletes, 100,000 fans and over 10,000 volunteers to the region.
According to the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, the event is projected to generate an estimated $70 million in economic impact and would be the largest inclusive sporting event in the city’s history.
During a site visit earlier this year, officials from the Special Olympics USA Games Site Selection Committee spent four days in Northeast Ohio evaluating the city’s proposal.
In early February, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, Greater Cleveland Sports Commission CEO David Gilbert and Rock Entertainment Group CEO Nic Barlage welcomed the committee at a press conference held at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, now known as Rocket Arena.
“I wanted to be here personally as governor of the state to tell you this is not just Cleveland; it is Cleveland and Ohio. We are all in,” said DeWine at the time.
If plans move forward as proposed, key venues for the Special Olympics USA Games would include the Huntington Convention Center, Cleveland Public Auditorium, Cleveland State University and Case Western Reserve University.
Rocket Arena has been discussed as a potential site for the opening ceremony.
The Special Olympics USA Games occur every four years in major cities across the nation. The eight-day event includes 16+ sports and daily programs focused on athlete and family wellness.
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