SPIRE Student-Athletes Reflect on Patriot Games Experience

For SPIRE student-athletes Zion John-Baptiste and Liv Harness, the Patriot Games brought a national competition to familiar surroundings—and an opportunity to build connections with athletes from across the country.

News 5 Cleveland featured both students in its coverage of the event at SPIRE Academy, where more than 120 teenage athletes gathered for a competition tied to America’s 250th anniversary celebration.

John-Baptiste, 16, represented the U.S. Virgin Islands. Speaking with News 5, he reflected on returning to his school campus for the competition and meeting participants from across the United States.

Harness, who participated as an Ohio alternate, described an atmosphere where friendships developed alongside intense competition.

Athletes tested their versatility through events including sprints, hurdles, medicine ball throws, dodgeball and tug of war, leading toward a 270-foot obstacle course.

For SPIRE’s participants, the experience offered a chance to compete beyond their usual routines while welcoming fellow athletes to the campus they call home.

Watch the report and read the full story by Clay LePard on News 5 Cleveland.