The 2026 Patriot Games

A National Competition Celebrating the Next Generation

The national competition will stream on the ESPN App and culminate with a primetime special on ABC during the nation's 250th celebration.

America's next generation of leaders, competitors, and champions will take center stage Aug. 9-11 at the 2026 Patriot Games, a national athletic competition celebrating the character, determination, and excellence that define the American spirit. Announced today by Freedom 250, the national nonpartisan organization leading the celebration of America's 250th birthday, the 2026 Patriot Games will bring together outstanding young Americans from across the nation to compete, inspire, and showcase the values that have shaped the United States for nearly 250 years.

The competition will award a $250,000 scholarship prize pool to one male and one female champion, creating life-changing opportunities for young Americans while inspiring millions across the country.

Competition coverage will stream on the ESPN App, culminating in a one-hour primetime ESPN on ABC special on Thursday, Aug. 13.

As America approaches its 250th birthday, the 2026 Patriot Games will bring together outstanding high school athletes ages 14-17 representing America's great states and territories, alongside athletes from tribal nations, for a showcase of determination, teamwork, resilience, and hometown pride.

Athletes will begin arriving on Aug. 7 and Aug. 8, with competition taking place Aug. 9-11. 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.

Applications for athletes ages 14-17 are now open. Participants will submit eligibility information and a short video sharing their story and why they want to compete. Applications will be reviewed by the Freedom 250, 2026 Patriot Games Selection Committee, with selected applicants advancing through additional screening and verification rounds before finalists are chosen.

The 2026 Patriot Games are part of a broader series of signature events taking place across the country as Americans come together to celebrate the nation's 250th birthday and inspire the next generation to help write the next chapter of the American story.

To apply or learn more about the 2026 Patriot Games, visit here.