Geneva, OH -
SPIRE Institute has been officially designated a U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Site, one of only a handful of facilities nationally with this distinction, as announced Friday by the United States Olympic Committee.
As an official training site of Team USA, SPIRE will offer resources, services and facilities to U.S. track & field and wheelchair basketball athletes, while creating an elite training environment that positively impacts performance.
Based in Geneva, SPIRE features 750,000 square feet of Olympic-caliber indoor training facilities on more than 175 acres, including a multi-sport stadium complex.
The world-class training, education and wellness complex is home to a nationally renowned training staff, and offers residential high school and post-graduate academy programs, summer and holiday camps, and weekend training sessions in a variety of sports. Boasting one of the most diverse and inclusive mix of athletes in the country, SPIRE also offers a variety of athletic development programs, including sports medicine, nutrition and wellness offerings that can be customized based on individual needs.
SPIRE is among a select few designated training sites serving both Olympians and Paralympians. "This designation by the U.S. Olympic Committee will bring significant economic activity to Northeast Ohio and further strengthens our region as one of the country's premier sporting destinations. Not only will Olympic athletes now be traveling to train right here in Northeast Ohio, but this designation will help drive other athletes and events to SPIRE and our region," says David Gilbert, President and CEO of the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission.
"We are thrilled to welcome SPIRE Institute as the newest U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Site designation, and appreciate SPIRE's commitment to the USOC and U.S. National Governing Bodies and their athletes," said Alicia McConnell, USOC director of training sites and community partnerships. "SPIRE has a strong reputation for its world-class facilities, which will provide critical training for America's finest athletes."
McConnell addressed a group of area officials and sport dignitaries - including four-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Johnson - on Friday, Feb. 22, overlooking SPIRE's state-of-the-art 240,000 square-foot indoor track & field complex.
Opened in 2010, the complex features 85-foot-high ceilings; a 300-meter, eight-lane track; and separate throwing, jumping and pole vault areas, and is considered one of the best in the world by Johnson and other Olympic greats.
Additionally, wheelchair basketball athletes will have access to a one-of-a-kind multipurpose court surface, which is also used for volleyball, tennis, gymnastics and mat sports.
"It's a great honor and the fulfillment of a dream to be recognized for our Olympic track and field and Paralympic wheelchair basketball facilities and resources," said Ron Clutter, SPIRE Institute founder and CEO.
"Since our inception, our vision has been to unlock the full potential of the human spirit through athletics, academics and service, offering programs that focus on the positive power of sports for all individuals. We look forward to not only serving these world-class athletes and their families in their quest for excellence, as well athletes of all ages and skill levels who enjoy sports and competition."
The designation will contribute to SPIRE delivering "tens of millions of dollars" of economic impact to the region, Clutter said.
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