Joanna Nesamony
eSomethin Staff
For America’s 250th anniversary, President Trump has announced a nationwide youth athletic competition called the Patriot Games. This event is scheduled for the fall of 2026 and will be televised across the country.
The Patriot Games has gained a lot of traction online, in part for its controversy. Many people on social media are saying this event has striking similarities to “The Hunger Games” series by Suzanne Collins.
This comparison may seem far-fetched, especially since “The Hunger Games” is a fictional story known for dystopian violence while the Patriot Games is merely a sports competition.
Yet there are a few similarities between the two contests. The Patriot Games does in fact resemble the dystopian book series. Here’s why.
The Patriot Games contestants will consist of one male and female high ranked high school athlete from each state. This parallels “The Hunger Games” since one male and female teenager from each district is chosen to participate.
Around 45 states have now permitted NIL deals for high school students. Being televised around the country could help high school athletes gain sponsorships. Although President Trump didn’t provide any details about sponsorships being included within The Patriot Games, athletes could sign lucrative NIL deals if they stand out.
A big debate has circulated online on whether the Patriot Games could be a good thing for young athletes, especially since it has similarities to “The Hunger Games.”
Reagan Gosses, a Perrysburg lacrosse player, said, “Although there are mixed opinions about the Patriot Games, athletes would be able to represent their state and themselves as an athlete.”
One critic on TikTok (@society_told_me_to) said that high school athletes may be too young to participate in The Patriot Games.
Madi Watkins, a talented high school tennis player, says, “While I am not completely educated on what the Patriot Games are about, I think that being in such a competitive environment where high school kids are on display to compete for a bunch of people would have more of a negative impact on them than a beneficial one.”
In other social media content that talks about The Patriot Games, the phrase “Bread and Circuses” is often brought up.
As Watkins puts it, “I see the Patriot games as a ‘bread and circuses’ type of tactic, using entertainment and patriotism to generate support from across the country while trying to diminish what is going on in the US.”
This sentiment also has a connection to “The Hunger Games,” as the lower districts suffer from extreme poverty, whereas the Capitol indulges in watching each annual game while wearing thier riches.
On the flip side, The Patriot Games could be an amazing event to draw attention to an athlete’s future career.
Isaiah Reed, a Perrysburg football player says, “I think this event could be great for athletes, they could show off their athletic abilities outside of their actual sport.”
NIL deals for excellent athleticism from participants can grant them publicity in the sports industry and future opportunities.
If you are selected for The Patriot Games, may the odds ever be in your favor.
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