Posted September 24, 2025 in Press Releases
CLEVELAND – Sept. 24, 2025 – Cleveland has been officially declared the host city for the 2030 Special Olympics USA Games. The contract was signed today at a ceremony at Benesch Law in Key Tower, finalizing the agreement between leaders of the local 2030 Special Olympics USA Games Host Committee and Special Olympics North America. This formal agreement marks the beginning of preparations to host the USA Games in Cleveland, Ohio.
The signing was attended by key figures, including David Gilbert, President & CEO of the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission; Jessica Stewart, President and CEO of Special Olympics Ohio; Greg Epperson, Regional President and Managing Director for Special Olympics North America; and Special Olympics Ohio athlete Adam Gilmer.
The Special Olympics USA Games are hosted every four years in major cities that welcome more than 4,500 athletes and coaches from all 50 states, as well as thousands of family members and attendees. The eight-day event includes 16+ sports, and daily programs focused on athlete and family wellness and community engagement opportunities to cement the legacy of the Games as a catalyst of inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities. The Games are estimated to bring more than $70 million to the local economy.
In 2024, Greater Cleveland Sports Commission entered a highly competitive bidding process that included a selection site that has the infrastructure, resources and active community support needed to operate a successful event. The bid process provided a chance to showcase Northeast Ohio as the premier destination for inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities with an unrivaled history of hosting world class events and a relentless commitment to longstanding legacy.
"The overwhelming support from our community has been instrumental in bringing the 2030 USA Games to Cleveland. This event will not only generate meaningful economic impact, but more importantly, it will bring people together in a profound way — celebrating ability, perseverance, and inclusion,” said David Gilbert, President and CEO of Greater Cleveland Sports Commission and Destination Cleveland. “Cleveland is a city with heart, and we are ready to welcome athletes, families, and fans with open arms.”
All Ohioans were encouraged to join the movement during the bid process to show the world why Cleveland is The Land of Hope, Heart, and Heroes. More than 11,000 individuals took a pledge to support the 2030 Special Olympics USA Games in Cleveland by committing to volunteering, attending Opening/Closing ceremonies, and cheering on the incredible athletes atSpecialOlympicsCleveland.com.
"The choice of Cleveland as the host city for the 2030 Special Olympics USA Games is a powerful one. It’s a chance for athletes to shine on a national stage, showcase their abilities, and inspire the entire country. The Greater Cleveland community embodies the spirit of our movement — resilience, passion, and unity,” said Greg Epperson, Regional President and Managing Director, Special Olympics North America. “With its rich history of civic pride and volunteerism, Cleveland is poised to create a Games that not only highlights the extraordinary talents of our athletes, but also leaves a lasting legacy of inclusion, accessibility, and acceptance for generations to come."
The 2030 Cleveland Host Committee spans across the State of Ohio and includes Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, Destination Cleveland, Special Olympics Ohio, City of Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, State of Ohio, corporate leadership, universities, hospital systems, Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA), and many other relevant stakeholders to assure a cohesive host partnership indicative of how our community pulls together to make big things happen.
"Hosting the 2030 Special Olympics USA Games in Cleveland is an extraordinary honor for Ohio and a transformative moment for our athletes," said Jessica Stewart, President and Chief Executive Officer of Special Olympics Ohio. "This event is about more than competition — it's about celebrating the courage, determination, and joy that define the Special Olympics movement. For our athletes, their families, and supporters statewide, hosting the nation is both an honor and a chance to demonstrate to the world the true meaning of inclusion.”
Special Olympics serves as the world’s largest sports organization empowering people with intellectual disabilities, and the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota will mark the largest sporting event in the US that year.
"Having the 2030 USA Games come to Ohio means the world to me and so many athletes across the state. This is our moment to show the country what we're made of — not just as athletes, but as teammates, leaders, and champions,” said Adam Gilmer, Special Olympics Ohio athlete. “I’m proud to welcome people from across the country to Ohio, and I can’t wait for everyone to experience the energy, excitement, and heart that our community brings to the Games.”