Disney and ESPN chiefs attend Trump-hosted Patriot Games in Ohio

President Donald Trump hosted the inaugural Patriot Games in Geneva, Ohio, a competition featuring two high-school athletes from each state in activities such as tug-of-war, dodgeball and kickball. The event concluded with a final round attended by Trump and his guest Pat McAfee, a former NFL player and sports commentator.

Disney chief executive officer Josh D'Amaro and ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro were also present, traveling to the town of about 6,000 residents for the evening. The games were streamed on ESPN’s app over several days, though the network provided limited promotion. A brief mention appeared on ABC’s Good Morning America, and the event was discussed on McAfee’s radio show, which is not produced by ESPN.

ESPN plans to broadcast a one-hour primetime special of the Patriot Games on Thursday. The network has not scheduled live coverage of the competition.

"We’re excited to showcase young athletes from across the country," a spokesperson for the Patriot Games said.

The attendance of senior Disney and ESPN executives has been noted as an effort to maintain a positive relationship with the White House, given the event’s political significance.