The Empire State Games are officially under way.

Tonight, the Opening Ceremony was held at Binghamton University.

Action News Reporter Caitlin was there, and has the story.

"I'm all ready to go. Just ready to win," said Aaron Rudy.

Rudy is ready to compete.

And with more than 6000 athletes from across New York State now in Greater Binghamton...

The competition is on.

"I'm very excited to compete but primarily I'm excited to just be able to participate in this event. It's a great honor quite frankly," said Donna Billingiere.

You could feel the excitement in the Binghamton University Events Center as thousands gathered to kick off the Empire State Games.

And with the help of hundreds of volunteers..

The ceremony went off without a hitch.

"My husband and I are here just to volunteer. We did it a few years ago and we think its a good thing for the community. It brings a lot of good people to the area and all the fantastic athletes," said Mary Cohen.

And with lots of out-of-town athletes, comes lots of out-of-town families.

Which means a boost for the local economy.

Mark Benton followed his son to Binghamton a few weeks ago for a baseball tournament, and says he was happy to find out he'd be back again so soon.

"Quick booked a hotel. Hoped we'd be back for the Empire States and here we are," said Benton. "We were looking forward to coming back."

"Glad to be in Binghamton," he said.

And it's safe to say that greater Binghamton is happy to have the Empire State Games here, too.

The competition starts tomorrow and runs through Sunday.

For more information on event times and locations you can log onto the website.

Empirestategames.org