Scwarzennegger back in Ohio for statue rededication

COLUMBUS (AP) — Former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger says his namesake sports festival will stay in Ohio’s capital city despite offers to move it elsewhere.

The movie star made the comments today during a rededication ceremony for a statue of him in his bodybuilding prime.

The sculpture was first unveiled in 2012 to commemorate Schwarzenegger’s commitment to Columbus, where the Arnold Sports Festival takes place 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.

Gov. John Kasich and Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman joined Schwarzenegger in welcoming the statue to its new site outside the city’s downtown convention center.

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