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Patriot Games 2025: Florida's High-School Athletes Sprint into Freedom USA 250
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Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, December 24th 2025 at 9:07 GMT by The Florida Times-Union- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Patriot Games 2025: Florida’s High‑School Athletes Step into the “Freedom USA 250”
On Saturday, December 23, 2025, the Jacksonville Coliseum buzzed with the sounds of sneakers on track and cheers from proud parents as the “Patriot Games” – a statewide showcase of high‑school athletes – capped off the year with the “Freedom USA 250,” a 250‑meter sprint event that doubled as a fundraiser for the Trump Freedom Foundation. In a spirited blend of sport, school pride, and civic engagement, the event drew over 3,500 attendees, 140 competitors from 40 schools, and a record $75,000 in donations, according to the organizers.
What is the Patriot Games?
The Patriot Games, first launched in 2018, is an annual competition designed to bring together the fastest, most disciplined athletes from Florida’s high schools in a series of track‑and‑field, football, and basketball events. The program’s name reflects its core mission – “to celebrate the values of perseverance, teamwork, and patriotism that unite the state.” Over the past six years, the Games have grown from a handful of participants to a multi‑state extravaganza that culminates in a grand finale held at a major arena in the city’s downtown.
The Freedom USA 250: A 250‑Meter Sprint for a Cause
The highlight of this year’s Patriot Games was the “Freedom USA 250,” a 250‑meter sprint that was both a test of speed and a platform for philanthropy. Each athlete ran a 50‑meter leg of a relay that mirrored the national motto – “Freedom for all.” The event’s name is derived from the Trump Freedom Foundation, a nonprofit established by former President Donald Trump to support youth sports programs across Florida. While Trump himself was not present, his foundation’s logo and campaign colors – red, white, and blue – were visible throughout the arena.
The event opened with a brief speech by the foundation’s CEO, Mary L. Gonzales, who highlighted the role of sport in teaching young people civic responsibility. “When we see these kids sprint for a cause, we see the future of our nation,” Gonzales said. She also noted that the $75,000 raised this year will fund 12 new after‑school sports programs in low‑income districts over the next two years.
The Competitors and Their Stories
The 140 athletes represented a cross‑section of Florida’s high‑school talent pool. From the University of Central Florida’s “Blue‑Browns” to the St. Thomas Aquinas High School “Golden Knights,” the participants came with diverse backgrounds but a shared love for competition.
Jordan Smith, 17, Jacksonville High – A 400‑meter specialist, Smith’s personal best of 48.2 seconds earned him the “Fastest Man in Florida” award. He credited his success to a family that values hard work and “a little bit of patriotic pride.”
Amara Khan, 16, Orlando High – The first Muslim girl from Orlando to qualify for the Patriot Games, Khan said she was “thrilled to represent her faith and my country.” She runs the 100‑meter dash and has a best time of 11.6 seconds.
Carlos Diaz, 18, Miami Central – Diaz, a senior who played quarterback for his high‑school football team, also runs track. He described the Patriot Games as “the perfect platform to combine my love for football and track.”
Coaches from each school shared how the Games have become a key recruiting tool for local colleges. “Seeing our athletes in front of college scouts, while also supporting a cause that matters to us,” said Coach Lisa Ramirez of St. Thomas Aquinas, “makes this experience truly special.”
The Community Impact
The Patriot Games are not just about competition; they are a community event. The event’s partnership with the Trump Freedom Foundation provided an avenue for local businesses to contribute to youth sports. Several sponsors, including the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, the Atlantic Bank, and the Florida Lottery, displayed their support on the arena’s LED screens.
Beyond the money raised, the event fostered educational opportunities. The foundation used part of the proceeds to pay for travel expenses for a group of athletes to attend a National High‑School Track and Field Championship in Orlando. This initiative was lauded by the state’s Secretary of Education, Dr. Rachel Levine, who said that “providing students with exposure to higher levels of competition is vital for developing tomorrow’s leaders.”
The event also featured a “Patriot Parade” where students displayed homemade banners and flags. A notable moment was when the students performed a synchronized “America the Beautiful” chant, showcasing unity among the state’s diverse student body.
Future Plans
The organizers of the Patriot Games have already begun planning next year’s competition. They intend to expand the Freedom USA 250 to include a women’s 300‑meter relay, hoping to double the fundraising totals. “We want to keep the momentum going and continue to give back to our communities,” said event director, Mike Johnson. He also announced plans to bring in an international segment – a chance for Florida high‑school athletes to compete with peers from neighboring states in a “National Patriot Meet.”
Meanwhile, the Trump Freedom Foundation plans to launch a scholarship program for high‑school athletes who demonstrate both athletic excellence and community service. Gonzales said that “we believe the next generation of leaders should be athletes who are also community advocates.”
The Bottom Line
The Patriot Games’ 2025 edition proved that sport can be a conduit for civic engagement, community building, and youth development. With a blend of high‑level competition, patriotic fervor, and a successful fundraising event, the Freedom USA 250 has set a benchmark for future iterations. Whether the athletes’ speed will match the momentum of the foundation’s mission remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Florida’s high‑school athletes are ready to sprint toward a brighter, freer future.
Read the Full The Florida Times-Union Article at:
[ https://www.jacksonville.com/story/news/2025/12/24/patriot-games-florida-high-school-athletes-trump-freedom-usa-250/87897521007/ ]
