GENEVA, Ohio (WOIO) – Young athletes from across the nation will be in Northeast Ohio beginning Sunday to compete in the 2026 Patriot Games in Geneva.
19 News has learned President Donald Trump has a day trip planned Tuesday to the Cleveland area but has not yet confirmed that it’s to attend the games.
RELATED: Trump announces Patriot Games for 2026
Games organizer Freedom 250 announced in July that SPIRE Academy will serve as the host venue for the first national competition.
At SPIRE Academy, we believe strong academics and athletics have the power to shape lives and develop future leaders. The 2026 Patriot Games embody those values, and we are excited to welcome competitors from every corner of the country to Geneva for a competition that celebrates hard work, resilience, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence,” said Jonathan Ehrenfeld, SPIRE Managing Member & CEO
The games were first announced in 2025 and meant to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday.
Athletes ages 14 to 17 from across the country will compete in a series of challenges that are “designed to test strength, endurance, agility, teamwork, and perseverance.”
According to Freedom 250, one young man and one young woman will be crowned the inaugural game champions and will earn a $125,000 scholarship.
Freedom 250 said athletes’ skill sets will be tested in elements of various sports, including football, basketball, soccer, track and more.
Athletes will compete individually and in teams.
The host organization adds that “competitors will be tested on the skills from the Presidential Fitness Test, go through a military-inspired boot camp circuit, and finalists will compete in an obstacle course designed to test strategy and skill.”
The 2026 Patriot Games is about more than competition, they’re about the grit, character, and optimism that have carried America for over 250 years. These young athletes represent the very best of who we are and the promise of what’s still to come. As our nation marks its 250th birthday, there’s no better way to honor that legacy than by celebrating the talent and determination of the next generation of American champions.
Coverage schedule for 2026 Patriot Games events from ESPN
DateTime (ET)EventPlatformSun, Aug. 99 a.m.Boys Presidential QualifierESPN App 1 p.m.Girls Presidential QualifierESPN App 5:30 p.m.Boys KickballESPN App 5:30 p.m.Girls DodgeballESPN App 6:30 p.m.Boys DodgeballESPN App 6:30 p.m.Girls KickballESPN AppMon., Aug. 1011 a.m.Girls Varsity CircuitESPN App 11 a.m.Boys Operation EnduranceESPN App 2:45 p.m.Boys Varsity CircuitESPN App 2:45 p.m.Girls Operation EnduranceESPN AppTue., Aug. 1110:30 a.m.Tug of War (Boys & Girls)ESPN App 11:30 a.m.Victory Hoops (Boys & Girls)ESPN App 7 p.m.Semifinal, Final & ClosingESPN AppThu., Aug. 139 p.m.2026 Patriot GamesESPN on ABC
The ESPN App will stream the games.
The games will conclude with the 2026 Patriot Games Finale that will air at 9 p.m.
Copyright 2026 WOIO. All rights reserved.