‘President Trump looks forward to attending the Patriot Games in Ohio on Tuesday as we continue to celebrate 250 years of American greatness!’ Leavitt said on X.
Who are the teenagers competing in Trump’s Patriot Games?
The Patriot Games will feature boys and girls representing all 50 states, several territories and tribal nations, competing in athletic challenges.
President Donald Trump will be in Northeast Ohio this week, but not for a campaign event.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump will come to Geneva, Ohio, on Tuesday, Aug. 11, to attend the 2026 Patriot Games at SPIRE Academy, which describes itself online as an elite boarding school and “world-class sports academy combining elite sports, rigorous academics, and future-focused training in leadership, technology, and life skills.”
“President Trump looks forward to attending the Patriot Games in Ohio on Tuesday as we continue to celebrate 250 years of American greatness!” Leavitt said on X.
What are the Patriot Games?
The Patriot Games began Sunday, Aug. 9, and will conclude Tuesday. The Patriot Games are part of America’s 250th anniversary celebration.
The athletic competition for high schoolers aged 14 to 17 celebrates the “character, determination, and excellence that define the American spirit,” and will have a boy and a girl, each representing their state or territory, compete in a three-day-long event for the chance to win scholarship money, according to its website.
There are several challenges, including a Presidential Fitness Test, a boot camp circuit, obstacle course, and team competitions.
“The event will feature a series of athletic challenges designed to test strength, endurance, agility, teamwork, and perseverance while highlighting the values that have helped shape generations of Americans,” the Freedom 250 website states.
The tournament comes under the umbrella of Freedom 250, the organization started by President Donald Trump to bring his vision for the country’s anniversary to life. Freedom 250 was also behind the Great American State Fair, the UFC fight at the White House, and the upcoming IndyCar Grand Prix, held through the streets of Washington, DC. Freedom 250 events are separate from those being hosted by America 250, the bipartisan organization established by Congress in 2016 to lead planning of the country’s milestone birthday. The organization, a subsidiary of the National Park Foundation, describes itself as nonpartisan.
How to watch the Patriot Games
People can watch the competition live on the ESPN app. A one-hour primetime ESPN special will be broadcast at 9 p.m. Aug. 13 on ABC.
Patriot Games schedule
Here is the schedule for the Patriot Games this week.
Monday, Aug. 10
- 11 a.m. — Girls Varsity Circuit / Boys Operation Endurance
- 2:45 p.m. — Boys Varsity Circuit / Girls Operation Endurance
Tuesday, Aug. 11
- 10:30 a.m. — Tug of War (Boys & Girls)
- 11:30 a.m. — Victory Hoops (Boys & Girls)
- 7:00 p.m. — Semifinal, Final & Closing
Thursday, Aug. 13
- 9 p.m. — 2026 Patriot Games primetime special on ESPN on ABC
Includes reporting by USA TODAY.