Albany, NY - January 19, 2017 - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the 38th annual Empire State Winter Games will kick off on Thursday, February 1 and will run until Sunday, February 4 in Lake Placid. More than 2,500 participants will compete in 17 different sports during the three-day multi-sport festival.
"The North Country is home to world-class winter sports and this February, New York welcomes thousands of athletes and winter sports enthusiasts to enjoy the 38th Empire State Winter Games," Governor Cuomo said. "I encourage families from near and far to watch the games and enjoy all that the North Country has to offer."
This multi-sport destination festival gives amateur athletes the opportunity to compete in world-class Olympic venues in more than 30 events. The Games will kick off with an inaugural Torch Relay departing from New York City.
The 2018 Empire State Winter Games includes an expanded outdoor village located on Lake Placid's Main Street. The Village will host the ESWG cauldron, a Jumbotron with livestreaming, ESWG television event coverage, live music, spectator speed tubing, and the 2018 ESWG winter bike and NorX competitions. One of 2018's new events, the inaugural Rail Jam competition, will take place at Malone's Titus Mountain. The Village will also feature samples of soups and chili prepared by local chefs for Taste of the Games.
Outdoor sporting events will be held at the Saranac Lake Civic Center, and Nordic and alpine skiing will be held at Dewey Mountain and Mount Pisgah in Saranac Lake. Additionally, Paul Smith's College's Visitors Interpretive Center will host snowshoe racing events.
Olympic Regional Development Authority President and CEO Mike Pratt said, "This has been an extremely exciting winter on ORDA's venues. Lake Placid has hosted five international events that have played significant roles in selecting Olympic teams around the world. Everyone at ORDA takes tremendous pride in not only hosting World Cup and world championship caliber competition, but also events like this that inspire future Olympians."
Executive Director of the Empire State Winter Games Tait Wardlaw said, "Thanks to the Governor, the growth of the Games has come from a concerted effort to create more fun things to do for athletes and their friends and families. We view the Games as a reward for getting outside, working hard and playing hard. This year's Games will be more fun for everyone than ever before."
Senator Betty Little said, "Like so many others, I love the Empire State Winter Games and all they represent. Hosting them in Lake Placid is an incredible honor. This being a Winter Olympic year makes it even a little more exciting as we hope that the Empire State Winter Games will be a stepping stone for New York athletes dreaming of Olympic gold. Working with Governor Cuomo and my colleagues in the Legislature, the investments made in our venues continue to pay off as we once again have the wonderful privilege of welcoming the athletes and their families to our North Country region."
Assemblymember Billy Jones said, "We are thrilled to welcome thousands of athletes and their families Upstate for the 38th Empire State Winter Games. From enjoying action-packed sports, visiting historic Olympic attractions, and experiencing local restaurants, small businesses and local recreational facilities, like Titus Mountain; home to the rail jam competition- I urge both residents and visitors to explore our diverse community and learn all there is to love about New York."
Assemblymember Dan Stec said, "By once again hosting the Empire State Winter Games, the North Country region will feel the economic surge this popular event brings and I thank the Governor for his support of this top-notch competition. I look forward to increased foot traffic at local cafes, pubs and shops, and hope visitors take time to experience the other world-class destinations found throughout the Lake Placid area."
Essex County Chairman Randy Preston, "We are proud to once again welcome the Empire State Winter Games to Lake Placid. This year, we are confident that the Games will be the best yet - from the Village's Main Street to Whiteface Mountain, I thank the Governor for his partnership on this exciting event and I look forward to welcoming athletes, their families and winter sports lovers from across the state."
Franklin County Chairman Donald Dabiew said, "Anyone who calls the North Country home knows full well that we have some of the world's best winter sports venues and facilities. With the 38th Empire State Winter Games, I hope to see more visitors and families to Franklin County to enjoy the Games and visit all the restaurants and attractions including Titus Mountain, that we have to offer."
For more information about the 38th Empire State Winter Games, click here.