GOVERNOR PATERSON ANNOUNCES BUFFALO TO HOST 2010 EMPIRE STATE SUMMER GAMES

Amateur Sports Competition to draw up to 6,000 Athletes,

20,000 Visitors; Generates more than $10 million in Economic Activity

Governor David A. Paterson today announced that the City of Buffalo has been selected to host the 2010 Hugh L. Carey Empire State Summer Games. The Empire State Games, one of the largest amateur athletic programs in the nation, features nearly 6,000 of New York’s finest athletes participating in 28 different Olympic-style sports. The Buffalo Games will mark the 33rd year of the program and will run from July 21-25 in 2010.

Buffalo’s economy will benefit from the projected $10-12 million in economic activity generated by the Games. The Games are a program of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historical Preservation (OPRHP), and in addition to the nearly 6,000 athletes, are expected to draw 15,000 to 20,000 spectators.

“Buffalo has some of the most enthusiastic sports fans in the world,” said Governor Paterson. “The passion, energy and athletic ability that New York’s young athletes put on display in the Empire State Games will impress everyone. The thousands of people who visit Buffalo for the games will also give local shops, restaurants, hotels and other small businesses something to cheer about.”

Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown said: “On behalf of the residents of Buffalo, we are thrilled to host the Empire Summer Games again. Athletes and spectators of the Games will feel at home in Buffalo because we are a city that knows how to celebrate sports, host large scale events and roll out the welcome mat for everyone that comes here to visit.”

Commissioner of OPRHP, Carol Ash, said: “Citizens of the Buffalo area have always been great hosts for the Empire State Games. We are looking forward to building a great network of volunteers and supporters to make the 2010 Games a tremendous success.”

Governor David Paterson also used this occasion to congratulate participants of the 24th Empire State Games for the Physically Challenged, which commenced yesterday. The games are taking place at Mitchell Athletics Complex in Uniondale, Long Island from May 29th thru May 31st. The Empire State Games for the Physically Challenged was the first publicly sponsored event of its kind in the nation, developed strictly for physically challenged athletes.

“The challenges that these athletes face everyday with such confidence and drive makes for an exciting and triumphant environment during these games,” said Governor Paterson. “In the face of adversity these individuals surmount tremendous barriers. These athletes deserve great respect and we are delighted to honor not only the athletes but their support networks, including their families, friends and coaches.”

Regarding the Commencement of the Physically Challenged games in Uniondale Long Island, Commissioner Ash added: “Of many of the fine programs at State Parks, the Games for the Physically Challenged are perhaps the most uplifting. All of the young athletes who participate show us how a positive attitude and firm resolve really can lead to great successes.”

The 2010 Summer Games will mark the fifth time Buffalo has hosted the Empire State Summer Games. The Games last came to Buffalo in 2003, and were previously held in the city in 1996, 1986 and 1985.

The Games will be hosted in a number of local facilities including the University at Buffalo, Niagara University, Daemen College, Buffalo State College, D'Youville College, Canisius College, and other local and municipal venues.

The Empire State Games were the first of its kind in the nation when established in 1978 by Governor Hugh L. Carey. The Empire State Games is a program of the OPRHP, and sponsored in part by the New York Lottery. The games now encompass summer and winter sports, as well as competitions for seniors and the physically challenged.

Cities interested in hosting the Games submit a proposal for review by the State Parks Empire State Games office. Criteria include accessibility from other points in the state, ability to house thousands of athletes, availability of hotel accommodations for families and visitors, suitable athletic venues, access to medical facilities, and the commitment and support of a sizeable volunteer base from the local organizing committee and sponsors.

The 6,000 athletes from across the state, from age 12 to 75, will compete over a four-day period in 28 different Olympic-style sporting events in Scholastic, Open or Masters divisions. Events for the summer games will include men’s and women’s basketball, tennis, boxing, volleyball, softball, baseball, ice hockey, diving, swimming, synchronized swimming, weight lifting, gymnastics, track and field, soccer, sailing, cycling, canoe/kayak, lacrosse, judo, archery, wrestling, bowling, field hockey, fencing, shooting and rowing.

Through the years, many athletes have been part of the Games and moved on to national, international and Olympic competition. Games’ alumni include world champions, Olympic gold medalists, college and high school All-Americans, professional athletes in the NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL, as well as figure skaters, skiers, soccer players and many more.

The 2008 Summer Games will be in Binghamton July 23-27, and the 2009 Summer Games are slated for the Mid-Hudson Valley July 22-26.