Cleveland a finalist to host 2030 Special Olympics USA Games

• The eight-day extravaganza is held every four years for athletes with intellectual disabilities. It's expected to take place from late June to early July and bring upwards of 5,000 athletes and 100,000 spectators.

Driving the news: Gov. Mike DeWine, the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, Special Olympics Ohio and a slew of local leaders gathered at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse — the proposed site of the games' ceremonies — to tout Cleveland's bid.

What they're saying: David Gilbert, president and CEO of the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, said hosting the games would be worth a lot more than that projected $70 million economic impact.

• "The Special Olympics athletes will inspire our community to embrace a broader perspective on human talents and potential. I can't think of a better legacy than one of inclusion and acceptance," he said.

Zoom out: DeWine highlighted his efforts to make Ohio a national leader in support for people with disabilities.

• One of his first acts as governor was signing an executive order making Ohio a Disability Inclusion State and Model Employer of Individuals with Disabilities.

The latest: DeWine also pushed to require county boards of developmental disabilities to guarantee at least one seat for a person with a developmental disability.

• On Jan. 28, the Cuyahoga County DD Board elected Sara Steimle, its first-ever board member with a developmental disability.

What's next: Minneapolis-St. Paul will host the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games.