The Special Olympics USA Games are coming to Cleveland in 2030.
The Special Olympics USA 2030 Site Selection Committee has recommended the city as the host for the games, all but securing the spot. The city was one of two finalists, the other being Nashville, Tennessee.
“It’s not official until we sign our contract, which will be probably late summer, early fall, but we did get word that the event is, once the contract’s signed, coming to Cleveland in 2030,” Greater Cleveland Sports Commission President and CEO David Gilbert told Canton Repository news partner News 5 Cleveland on July 2. “It will be one of the most impactful events Cleveland has ever hosted.”
Organizers have estimated that the event would attract more than 5,000 athletes and coaches, and more than 100,000 family members and spectators. Special Olympics Ohio has more than 20,000 athletes representing all 88 counties, as well as 2,000 active volunteers.
“We look forward to the final steps of the bid being completed and then welcoming athletes, families, and fans from across the country to enjoy all that Cleveland has to offer — from its world-class sports venues and unique attractions to the enthusiasm of its people!” Gov. Mike DeWine said in a post on X.
Bill Green, the superintendent of the Stark County Board of Developmental Disabilities, said the organization is looking forward to welcoming the event to Northeast Ohio.
“The Special Olympics represent much more than athletic competition — they embody the dignity, determination, and extraordinary talent of people with developmental disabilities,” he said in a prepared statement. “Hosting the Games in Northeast Ohio will inspire future generations and reinforce our shared commitment to inclusion and opportunity.”
Green: ‘We have a long and proud history of supporting the Special Olympics’
Green said the county hopes some of its athletes will take part in the 2030 games.
“Here in Stark County, we support more than 150 athletes across a dozen sports and hope to see some of these incredible individuals take the field in Cleveland,” he said. “We have a long and proud history of supporting the Special Olympics that extends over 40 years and celebrate the athletes, families, coaches, volunteers, and community members who make this possible.”
Green said hosting the event is a big win for the region, and the board aims to support it however it can.
“Stark DD stands ready to contribute and champion this effort alongside Cleveland — together, we’ll show the nation how Northeast Ohio celebrates the ability in every individual,” he said.
Stark County is represented at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games
The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games will be in Minnesota in June.
“A special shoutout goes to Paula Gardner, Stark DD Special Olympics coordinator, who has been selected as an assistant softball coach for Team Ohio at the 2026 USA Games,” Green said. “(Gardner) leads and coordinates our Special Olympics program and exemplifies the spirit of dedication and inclusion that defines our work.”
This article originally appeared on The Repository: 2030 Special Olympics USA Games coming to Cleveland
Reporting by Janson McNair, Canton Repository / The Repository
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
