NOW PLAYING
President Trump is headed to Geneva, Ohio, on Tuesday to cheer on young Americans participating in the “Patriot Games,” a sporting competition created by his administration to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.
One male and one female athlete from each of the 50 states were selected to participate. The participants were asked to film a video answering questions about their involvement in sports and ties to places outside their home state where they had a “meaningful personal, family, cultural, military, or community connection,” according to CNN.
Some of the athletes chosen to join the Patriot Games will not be representing their home state.
Those who win won’t receive funds on behalf of the state they’re representing but will be entitled to $125,000 in college scholarship money.
Here’s what you need to know about the games.
What sports are being played?
Participants were asked to compete in a wide range of sports such as tug-a-war, dodgeball, kickball and other activities that test endurance and presidential fitness benchmarks.
The competition began Sunday, and competing students are between the ages of 14 and 17 years old.
ESPN is streaming the Patriot Games for supporters and is expected to air a one-hour special on the winners on Thursday, Aug. 13, at 9 p.m. ET.
Who is organizing the Patriot Games?
Freedom 250 is organizing the Patriot Games in coordination with the Trump administration.
The organization is part of a public-private partnership established by Trump to plan and execute a massive, yearlong celebration for the 250th anniversary of American independence. It has helped host the “Great American State Fair” and a UFC fight on the White House South Lawn.
The president first announced the creation of the Patriot Games in a December video touting young Americans in sports. He made clear that no male athletes would play in women’s sports and vice versa.
Where are the Patriot Games being held?
The Patriot Games are being held at the SPIRE Academy. It’s branded as a world-class, multisport training and educational boarding facility in Geneva, Ohio.
It serves high school and postgraduate student-athletes by combining college-preparatory academics with “elite” athletic training across sports such as basketball, track and field, swimming and soccer, according to its website.
How will the Patriot Games be scored?
Each athlete is required to participate in all of the outlined events, where they will be scored on the basis of performance. The top 32 athletes will advance to the final round of competition on Tuesday.
Dodgeball, kickball and tug-of-war teams were established, and participation will be tabulated as part of an individual’s final score.
Add as preferred source on Google Tags Donald Trump Geneva Ohio Patriot Games President Trump SPIRE Academy Trump administrationCopyright 2026 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Comments: Link copiedMore Administration News
See All
Administration Blanche formally sworn in as attorney general by Julia Manchester 2 minutes ago Administration / 2 minutes ago 
