Schwarzenegger attends rededication of statue

COLUMBUS — Former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger pledged Monday to keep his namesake sports festival in Ohio’s capital city as he helped rededicate a statue of his likeness in front of a downtown convention center.

The actor said he has had requests to take his multiday event elsewhere. But, Schwarzenegger said, “It has been here, it is here and it always will be here in Columbus, Ohio.”

The sculpture of Schwarzenegger in his bodybuilding prime was first unveiled in 2012 to commemorate his commitment to Columbus, where the Arnold Sports Festival is held each year.

Earlier this month, workers had to move the 8-foot, 600-pound bronze structure from its original location near the Franklin County Veterans Memorial in preparation for the facility’s demolition.

Schwarzenegger was joined Monday by Ohio Gov. John Kasich and Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman in welcoming the statue to its new home.

Coleman said the city wants to memorialize Schwarzenegger’s friendship with Columbus.

The festival draws about 175,000 people. It debuted in 1989 as the Arnold Classic but has since expanded from the one-day professional men’s bodybuilding competition. About 18,000 athletes now compete in more than 50 sports and activities that include archery, bodybuilding, fencing, table tennis and gymnastics.