WPCNR SPORTS. From Westchester County Department of Communications. June 14, 2007: The kickoff for the Empire State Games in Westchester began today as County Executive Andy Spano, County Board of Legislators Chairman Bill Ryan and Parks Committee Chair Legislator Jose Alvarado introduced some of Westchester’s aspiring Gold Medalists at a ceremony at Pace University in Pleasantville attended by New York State ESG officials, participating colleges, host committee members, sponsors, coaches, athletes and volunteers.
The Empire State Games, celebrating its 30th anniversary, is being held for the first time ever in Westchester from July 25 to 29. The largest amateur sporting event next to the Olympics, some 6,000 athletes ages 13 through 75 will compete in the nearly 40 events at 30 locations throughout Westchester. A July 25 opening ceremony at Kensico Dam in Valhalla will bring together top athletes from across the state and feature a torch lighting and gala fireworks display.
“This is the first time we are hosting this prestigious event here, and we are rolling out the red carpet for the athletes, coaches and families from all over the state,” Spano said. “After a year and a half of intensive planning with New York State and local governments, community agencies, and our hotels and colleges, this has truly been a collaborative effort. The Empire State Games are great for Westchester, show off our colleges and add millions to the economy. We know that once our visitors see all we have to offer, they will want to come back as tourists or college students.”
"The Empire State Games is one of the greatest amateur athletic competitions in the country," said County Board Chair Bill Ryan. "The games will bring New York's premier athletes to New York's premier county. There'll be thousands of spectators and we'll have five days to acquaint them with why we're so proud to call Westchester our home."
During the kick-off celebration at Pace University’s Goldstein Health and Fitness Center, Spano introduced several local qualifying athletes and some aspiring competitors. Among them were boxing contenders from Mount Vernon and Yonkers including last year’s female gold medalist Angel Bovee as well as Joe Isaac, Douglass LoBasso, Chazz McDowell and Luis Ramirez. Volleyball hopefuls Jackie Ahlers, Kaleena Miller, Jaymie Rosario and Tana McMarrow were among those demonstrating their skills on the court during an exhibition game. Also attending was Valerie Hovasapian, a women’s skeet shooting competitor.
The athletes will stay at local colleges and be bused to and from their events. Host colleges are Pace University in Pleasantville, which is also the headquarters and media center for the upcoming games; College of New Rochelle; Iona College; Manhattanville College; Keio Academy of New York; Purchase College/SUNY; Mercy College and Fordham University in the Bronx.
Legislator Jose Alvarado, chair of the Parks, Public Works and Transportation committees, said, "I commend the county employees, especially those in Parks and Public Works Departments who have worked tirelessly to prepare our venues needed to host the games,. This is truly a huge event that has required a collective effort, and our community has responded generously. In addition to our first-rate facilities, there will be events happening all over the county thanks to the many colleges, high schools and municipalities that have offered their gyms, fields, and other venues. The games will certainly showcase what an amazing county this is."
Spano thanked the many community-minded corporate sponsors including Entergy, Cablevision/Optimum Lightpath, Friends of Westchester County Parks, Inc., Cappelli Enterprises, Citigroup, Diebold Enterprise Security Systems and PepsiCo Inc., along with Con Edison, POMCO, Castle Oil Corporation, Karp, LLC., Westchester Recreation and Parks Society, Bennett Kielson, and Westchester Medical Center (who will also provide doctors and medical assistance throughout the event), along with a host of other supporters.
Volunteers are still needed to work in the media center as well as help out at the games themselves as scorekeepers and linesman, along with medical assistance. For complete information, including up-to-the-minute details about the games, sponsorship opportunities, sporting events and venues, opening ceremonies, local athletes and volunteer opportunities – visit the official website at www.empirestategameswestchester.com.
The games are a program of the New York State Department of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. They are presented by the Westchester County Departments of Parks, Transportation, and Emergency Services and the Office for Tourism.
County Parks Commissioner Joseph Stout said, “We are excited that the games are being held here in Westchester and happy that many of the events will be held in our own parks.”
