New York State Executive Chamber | Governor Eliot Spitzer

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Proclamation

Whereas, New Yorkers admire individuals who strive to achieve their hopes and dreams in life, and we share the excitement of those who have the opportunity to realize their greatest potential as champion athletes by participating in the Empire State Winter Games, that for the past twenty-eight years have set a high standard of winter sports competition through which exceptional athletes engage in some of the most challenging and demanding tests of physical skill; and

Whereas, the annual Empire State Winter Games is one of our State's premier sports events, providing a venue for exciting competition among amateur athletes from across New York who demonstrate remarkable skill in contests of agility, strength and endurance; it was here in Lake Placid that many legendary American champions first fulfilled their dreams of glory at the 1932 Winter Olympics, when our State and Nation began a wonderful tradition of hosting world-class winter sports; and

Whereas, the 2008 Games once again promise to serve as a vigorous test for nearly 1400 participating athletes who have already demonstrated their sheer tenacity in qualifying for their respective events, with the hopes of not only winning a medal but continuing toward further glory as a member of the U.S. Olympic Team; and

Whereas, all New Yorkers are proud of our State's world-renowned facilities and outdoor resources that enable us to host these annual winter games, as each year the finest athletes in New York gather in the stunning Lake Placid Region of the Adirondacks to compete on world-class bobsled and luge tracks, ski jumps, slalom runs, ice rinks and other venues that have undergone recent expansions and continual improvements; and

Whereas, the Empire State Winter Games are a celebrated example of New York's commitment to all future athletes, offering them the means by which to achieve their hopes and aspirations, and each of the outstanding young individuals - so remarkably dedicated and disciplined - are applauded for their participation; and

Whereas, I join to officially open the 28th Empire State Winter Games, a wonderful sports tradition that brings pride and inspiration to all New Yorkers who look forward to this annual event with great anticipation and, more importantly, which exemplifies the meaning of sportsmanship and character that is prevalent among our finest athletes as they seek to capture a coveted medal with pride in knowing they have put forth their very best effort;

Now, Therefore, I, Eliot Spitzer, Governor of the State of New York, do hereby proclaim February 22-24, 2008 as Empire State Winter Games Days in New York State.

G i v e n under my hand and the Privy Seal of the State at the Capitol in the City of Albany this twentieth day of February in the year two thousand eight.

Eliot Spitzer, Governor

Richard Baum, Secretary to the Governor