Benesch is pleased to announce that the contract to host the 2030 Special Olympics USA Games was officially signed Wednesday afternoon during a ceremony at the firm’s Cleveland office.
Leaders from the local 2030 Special Olympics USA Games Host Committee, Special Olympics Ohio and Special Olympics North America gathered for a press conference and the contract signing, joined by Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne, Greater Cleveland Sports Commission President and CEO David Gilbert and other key community figures.
Benesch played a pivotal role in supporting the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission and efforts to secure the city’s bid, providing guidance and support throughout the process, hosting the site selection committee earlier this year and convening this week’s official signing ceremony. The firm is proud to be part of a community that consistently comes together to achieve great things.
“As a firm, we are all in on Cleveland and passionate about giving back,” said Benesch Managing Partner Gregg Eisenberg, who will serve on the host committee for the Games. “It was incredibly meaningful to partner with the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission to land the deal for our city to host the 2030 Special Olympics USA Games. We can’t wait to host these remarkable athletes and their families and fans, and to show off our fantastic city.”
Addressing a packed room before the contract was signed, Special Olympics North America Regional President and Managing Director Greg Epperson shared, “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.”
“We’re launching a legacy,” added Jessica Stewart, president and CEO of Special Olympics Ohio, emphasizing the far-reaching impact of the Games: “[These Games] bring together communities across Ohio to celebrate abilities, not just disabilities… They will help us expand health programs, unify schools and deepen our commitment to equity and to access. They will inspire new generations of athletes, of coaches and advocates to carry the torch forward.”
“The overwhelming support from our community has been instrumental in bringing the 2030 USA Games to Cleveland,” said David Gilbert. “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. This is high risk and high reward, but I’ll tell you, we know how to take on big things and we know how to do them well.”
Special Olympics athlete Adam Gilmer, who played a key role in bringing the Games to Cleveland, added, “Cleveland brings the energy all the time. The way the city rallies behind its teams, whether we're having a terrible season or on top. We're one of the only cities that can celebrate a winless season and be happy about it.”
Held every four years, the Special Olympics USA Games are expected to draw more than 4,500 athletes and coaches, as well as thousands of fans and family members from all 50 states. Athletes will compete over an eight-day span in a Games projected to generate over $70 million for the local economy, making it one of the largest sporting events Northeast Ohio has ever hosted.