Committee favorably reports resolution backing Cleveland's bid for 2030 Special Olympics USA Games

The Arts, Athletics and Tourism Committee favorably reported House Resolution 101 by a 12-0 roll-call vote, recommending legislative support for Cleveland's bid to host the 2030 Special Olympics USA Games.

Special Olympics Ohio President and CEO Jessica Stewart testified in support of the resolution, thanking the committee and calling the endorsement "a profound affirmation of Ohio's dedication to inclusion, athletic excellence, and civic pride." She told the committee that Special Olympics Ohio serves about 20,000 athletes statewide and highlighted athletes who medaled at international events as examples of the program's impact.

Matt McLaren, director of travel and tourism policy for the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, offered a business-case argument for the resolution. McLaren said tourism in Ohio is a "$56,000,000,000 industry" when direct and indirect visitor spending are included and that attracting large events helps sustain that sector. He cited figures prepared for Cleveland's bid: more than 10,000 volunteers already committed and more than $10,000,000 raised from corporate leaders. McLaren said the games would bring representatives from all 50 states, Canada and the Caribbean, "over 5,000 athletes and coaches" and "over a 100,000 fans," and he offered an economic-impact estimate of about $70,000,000 for Ohio.

Chair Miller noted two additional submissions of written testimony from David Gilbert, president and CEO of the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission and Destination Cleveland, and Ryan Puente, deputy chief of staff and chief government affairs officer for the city of Cleveland.

Vice Chair Heiner moved to favorably report HR 101 and recommend its passage. The clerk conducted a roll-call vote; the measure carried with 12 affirmative votes and no negative votes. Committee members were asked to sign the roll and were offered the opportunity to note co-sponsorship before the roll was closed.

The committee recorded the favorable report and concluded the second hearing for House Resolution 101.