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President Trump announces "Patriot Games" for America250
President Trump announced the first-ever "Patriot Games," a four day athletic event featuring two high school athletes from each state competing in Fall 2026.
WASHINGTON - New details have been announced for the 2026 Patriot Games, including the competition dates, application requirements, and prizes.
What are the Patriot Games?
President Donald Trump announced the Patriot Games last year, as part of a yearlong slate of events to celebrate America's 250th anniversary.
The competition will feature high school athletes from across the country, representing U.S. states, territories and tribal lands, battling in "a showcase of determination, teamwork, resilience and hometown pride," according to Freedom 250.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: The 'Patriot Games': What we know about Trump's proposed high school athletic competition
When are The Patriot Games?
The Patriot Games will take place over the first few weeks of August. Athletes will come to D.C. starting on Aug. 7. Then, the first round of competition will go from Aug. 9 through Aug. 11.
The event will finish with a nationally televised final on Thursday, Aug. 13.
Who can apply for The Patriot Games?
Applications for the Patriot Games are now open.
In order to be eligible to apply, you must be:
- 14 years old by June 1, 2026, and 17 or younger on Dec. 31, 2026.
- A legal U.S. citizen
- A resident of a U.S. state, territory or tribal nation
- Student in good academic standing
Freedom 250 says other eligibility requirements will be announced later.
Applicants will also need to include a video about themselves and why they want to compete in the games.
When Trump first announced the Patriot Games in December, he said one male and one female student would be selected from each state and territory.
Applications for the Patriot Games can be completed on the Freedom 250 website.
What do the winners get?
By the end of the competition, the Patriot Games will crown one male and one female champion. The champions will win a $250,000 scholarship prize pool, according to Freedom 250.
The Source: Information in this story is from Freedom 250 and previous FOX 5 DC reports.