COLUMBUS — America 250-Ohio today announced the Ohio Sports Forum, a three-part series of live conversations bringing together some of the most celebrated figures in Ohio sports history.
The forums take place Sept. 3 in Cincinnati, Sept. 8 in Columbus and Sept. 24 in Canton. The Ohio Channel will livestream each event, giving audiences across Ohio and beyond an opportunity to hear firsthand from these athletes, coaches, and leaders who helped shape the state’s sports legacy.
Ohio Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel, former head football coach at The Ohio State University, will moderate all three forums.
The series will feature Hall of Famers, Olympic gold medalists, championship athletes, and franchise leaders in intimate, conversational settings. Two of Ohio’s most recognizable sports broadcasters will also serve as emcees.
“Sports is one of the few things that still brings all of Ohio into the same room,” said Todd Kleismit, executive director of America 250-Ohio. “As we mark America’s 250th birthday, these forums let us celebrate something Ohioans already share and hear it directly from the legends who lived it.”
Each forum will spotlight athletes and stories connected to its region while exploring the teams, communities, and people who shaped their careers. The events are part of “Ohio Plays: Sports & Wellness,” America 250-Ohio’s September celebration theme.
Cincinnati forum: Thursday, Sept. 3 at TQL Stadium
Longtime Cincinnati sportscaster John Popovich will serve as emcee. Panelists include Mike Brown, president of the Cincinnati Bengals; two-time Olympic gold medalist Edwin Moses; Tony Pike, former Cincinnati Bearcats and Carolina Panthers quarterback and host of Cincy360 on ESPN 1530 and radio analyst for the Bearcats and Bengals; George Foster, Cincinnati Reds Hall of Famer, and Olympic gold medalist Mary Wineberg.
Columbus forum: Tuesday, Sept. 8 at The NetJets Landing
Paul Keels, the Voice of the Buckeyes, will serve as emcee. Panelists include Jack Nicklaus, one of the most decorated champions in golf history; Archie Griffin, college football’s only two-time Heisman Trophy winner; Clark Kellogg, former Ohio State standout and CBS college basketball analyst; Rick Nash, former Columbus Blue Jackets captain; and Katie Smith, former Ohio State and WNBA star.
Canton forum: Thursday, Sept. 24 at Pro Football Hall of Fame
Panelists include Bernie Kosar, former Cleveland Browns quarterback; Anthony Munoz, former Cincinnati Bengals lineman and Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee in Residence; former world boxing champion Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini; LPGA trailblazer Renee Powell; and Daniel “Booby” Gibson, former Cleveland Cavaliers guard.
All three forums will be livestreamed from 6:30 to 8 p.m. and are free. Viewers may register for one or more livestreams at america250-ohio.org/ohio-sports-forum.