GOVERNOR PATERSON ANNOUNCES COMMENCEMENT OF 2008 EMPIRE STATE GAMES IN BINGHAMTON

6,000 Athletes to Compete in Wide Variety of Amateur Sports Events

More Than 20,000 Spectators Expected to Attend Games

Governor David A. Paterson today announced the opening of the 2008 Governor Hugh L. Carey Empire State Summer Games. The 31st Empire State Games will bring 6,000 athletes to Binghamton to compete in a wide variety of amateur sports. Athletes from across the state, ranging in age from ten to 75, will compete over a four-day period in 28 different Olympic-style sporting events in Scholastic, Open or Masters Divisions. The Games will run through July 27th.

Secretary of State Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez will make opening remarks and light the torch to kick-off the festivities.

“The Empire State Games is an exciting showcase of talent across a broad spectrum of sports. The Games embodies the spirit of our great state as thousands of New Yorkers come together to cheer one another to victory,” said Governor Paterson. “I am certain the discipline and hard work of these athletes will serve them well not only as they take the field, but as they become the leaders of our communities.”

Carol Ash, Commissioner of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, said: “The Empire State Games is a wonderful opportunity to bring healthy and exciting athletic competition – and thousands of athletes and fans – to the great city of Binghamton. I wish the athletes the best of luck, and hope both the athletes and fans enjoy their time in the Southern Tier. I also wish to express my gratitude to our hosts in the Binghamton area, whose support is essential to making the Games a great success.”

Gordon Medenica, Director of the New York Lottery, said: “We’re proud to renew our sponsorship of the Empire State Games, one of the many outstanding educational opportunities for students supported by the New York Lottery. We encourage all the athletes to dream of success, to play hard, and most of all, to have fun and enjoy the great camaraderie of these unique Games. It’s the experience of a lifetime, and “Hey, you never know!”

Senator Tom Libous said: “Binghamton has hosted the Empire State Games three times in ten years. No other community can say that. It’s a tribute to our top-notch facilities and the outstanding efforts of the organizers and volunteers. We’ve got a lot to offer the visiting Empire State Games athletes and spectators. We have wonderful restaurants, shops and great hospitality. This is a real opportunity to showcase our community.”

Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo said: “We are very proud to once again be hosting the Empire State Games. It’s a great opportunity to showcase our community to the rest of the state. I want to commend the volunteers who work hard to provide visitors with our wonderful Southern Tier hospitality. And I want to wish the athletes great success in their competitions.”

Barbara J. Fiala, Broome County Executive, said: “Broome County is proud to serve as the host community for the 2008 Empire State Games. Our community is excited to welcome athletes, coaches, spectators, and fans to enjoy all that the Greater Binghamton area has to offer.”

Jeff Lake, Local Organizing Committee Chairman, said: “We are very excited to have the Empire State Games in the Greater Binghamton area again. We look forward to the opportunity to showcase our community and share it with 6,000 prospective students and 15,000 other fellow New Yorkers.”

In addition to 6,000 athletes, the event normally attracts over 20,000 visitors and generates an economic impact of $10-$12 million for the local area. The Games will take place primarily at Binghamton University and various other venues in and around Broome County. The Games were previously held in Binghamton in 2000 and 2004.

Historically, the Empire State Games have produced world class athletes some of whom are competing next month in the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China. They include Sue Bird of Syosset in basketball, Sandra Fong of New York City in shooting and Keeth and Erin Smart, a brother and sister from Brooklyn, in fencing.

Since its establishment in 1978, the Summer Games, which are partially sponsored by the New York State Division of Lottery, have expanded to become one of the largest amateur state-sponsored athletic programs in the nation. Currently, the Empire State Games, which are nationally recognized by the United States Olympic Committee, the State Games of America and the National Congress of State Games, have developed to include events for both the summer and the winter, as well as for seniors and the physically challenged.

Events will include baseball, rugby, basketball, tennis, volleyball, gymnastics, weightlifting, boxing, track and field, canoe/kayaking, soccer, wrestling, swimming, synchronized swimming, diving, sailing, cycling, lacrosse, archery, judo, shooting, field hockey, bowling, ice hockey, golf, rowing, and fencing.

The 2009 Empire State Games will be held in the towns of Poughkeepsie, Newburgh and New Paltz and the 2010 Games will be held in Buffalo.