The General Assembly of the International Children’s Games elected David Gilbert, President and CEO of the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, to serve a four-year term as Vice President of their Executive Committee. Gilbert holds the distinction of being the sole Committee Member who resides in the United States and will be the International Children’s Games’ first Vice President from the United States. In his role as Vice President, he will assist with setting policies and managing the future direction of the Games.

"It is a real honor to be so intimately involved in an international event that touches the lives of so many young people. It also continues to develop relationships and open up doors for Cleveland's ongoing work to be recognized as a national and international destination for hosting major sporting events," stated David Gilbert.

The International Children’s Games was first organized in Celje, Slovenia in 1968 and is considered the world's annual Youth Olympics with a vision to promote peace and friendship through sports. Athletes ages 12-15 participate in the world's largest international multi-sport youth games.

Cleveland became the first city in the United States to host the Games in 2004 and set records by having over 2,500 athletes from 50 different countries participate in the competitions. This year the Games are being held in Athens, Greece from June 24-27 and estimated to host 1,500 athletes representing 37 countries. Athletes from Cleveland will participate in Athens by competing in tennis, swimming, and gymnastics. To date, over 32,000 athletes from over 70 countries have participated in the International Children’s Games.