Two Valley teens have been selected to represent the state in a national competition called the Patriot Games.
Seventeen-year-old Eliza Anderson of Mesa and 14-year old Abraham Van Wie of Phoenix are headed to Ohio next week to compete on behalf of Arizona in the 2026 Patriot Games.
President Donald Trump announced the games in December as a part of Freedom 250 celebrations.
One young man and one young woman was selected from a pool of volunteers from each of the 50 states and will compete in a series of athletic challenges over three days, including track and field events and obstacle courses. A total of 120 student athletes will compete, as some participants are also representing U.S. territories, military bases and tribal nations.
The games will take place at SPIRE Academy, a sports complex in Ohio. The athletes will also be tested on skills drawn from several other games including tennis, volleyball, soccer and baseball.
The winners will get a share of $250,000 in scholarship money.
“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.
The games will be streamed on the ESPN app beginning Sunday, and an hourlong special is scheduled for Aug. 13 on ESPN on ABC.
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