Overview
- Leaders from the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, Special Olympics Ohio and Special Olympics North America signed the host city contract on Sept. 24 at Key Tower.
- Cleveland won the bid over Nashville following 2025 site visits and a selection committee recommendation in June.
- Organizers cited exceptional community backing, including more than 10,000 volunteer pledges reported during the bid, with some accounts placing the total above 11,000.
- The event is expected to draw over 5,000 athletes, coaches and officials plus more than 10,000 family members and visitors to Northeast Ohio.
- Venue, accommodation and community engagement planning starts immediately, with local partners pledging support and officials set to study the 2026 Minneapolis Games for operational insights.