By The Washington Times (U.S.) | Created at 2026-08-12 12:26:21 | Updated at 2026-08-12 13:12:51
1 hour ago
President Trump on Tuesday cheered on high school athletes competing on an obstacle course and other sports at the Patriot Games finals in Geneva, Ohio.
The Patriot Games, created by the Trump administration as part of America’s 250th anniversary this year, include a Presidential Fitness Test, a military-inspired boot camp circuit, an obstacle course, and team competitions such as kickball, dodgeball and tug-of-war.
At the event, Mr. Trump said the athletes were doing “fantastically well.”
“This is something very exciting. I’m looking forward to watching the finals. This has been as exciting as everything. I didn’t know what to expect,” he said.
He watched as two young athletes became the first winners of the national competition. Kennadi Fuhrman of Kansas won the female title and Rockwell Myers of Utah won the male division.
They each received $125,000 in college scholarship money.
Mr. Trump announced in December the creation of the Patriot Games, an athletic competition drawing male and female representatives from every state, territory, military base and tribal nation.
The 120 participants range in age from 14 to 17 and are competing for more than $250,000 in scholarship money, which is split evenly between a male and female winner.
Over three days, youths faced off in a series of competitions designed to test strength, endurance, agility, teamwork and perseverance, according to the event organizers.
It is the latest sporting event involving Mr. Trump that is tied to the nation’s anniversary. There was a UFC fight at the White House last month, and an IndyCar race through Washington is scheduled for next weekend.
