Patriot Games showcase strength of American youth

America’s top high school athletes were in Geneva, Ohio, for a three-day athletic competition, the Patriot Games, which ran Sunday through Tuesday, as a continuation of President Donald Trump’s America 250 celebrations.

“2026 will be a celebration of America like no other, honoring our nation and all of its glory,” Trump said in his December 2025 Freedom 250 announcement video.

Kennadi Furhman of Kansas won the women’s side and Rockwell Myers of Utah won for the men, splitting the $250,000 prize pool between these two winners out of the 120 competitors. A primetime special will broadcast Thursday on ABC. 

The Patriot Games schedule of events includes the Presidential Fitness Test, a military-inspired boot camp circuit, an obstacle course, and team competitions such as kickball, dodgeball, tug of war and victory hoops, according to the Freedom 250 website.  Freedom 250 did not reply for comment.  

Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy has worked in tandem with the president in reintroducing the Presidential Fitness Test into schools, an effort that will go into effect for the 2026-27 school year. This test includes core strength, cardio and upper-body goals distinct for each sex.

The “Make America Healthy Again” initiative has become a major focus of the Trump administration. More than 70% of children aged 6-17 did not meet the 2024 federal minimum recommendation of 60 minutes of daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, according to the White House MAHA Report.

Although the Patriot Games have faced backlash from Democrats, who compared the athletic event to that of the fictional “Hunger Games,” this contest required student-athletes to apply and complete preliminary verification rounds.

“Freedom 250 is proud to bring Americans together through unforgettable signature events – from the Freedom Trucks and July 4 celebrations to the 2026 Patriot Games – that celebrate our country and inspire the next generation,” Freedom 250 spokesperson Danielle Alvarez said in a statement to the Salt Lake Tribune.

Freedom 250 did not reply for comment by the time of publication.