LAKE PLACID, ADIRONDACKS, USA – A regional coalition came together one year ago to continue the legacy of the Empire State Winter Games (ESWG) when New York State's budget crunch eliminated the competitions.

Stewart's Shops saw the value of ESWG, a tradition that began in 1980 just weeks after the Lake Placid Olympic Winter Games, and partnered with organizers for the 2011 edition. In an announcement on Monday, Stewart's Shops has committed to team with the Games again in 2012, making the popular convenience stores, located in the Eastern and Northern areas of the state, the first sponsor to do so.

"Community involvement is an important part of Stewart's culture, of what makes Stewart's work," said Gary Dake, President of Stewart's Shops. "We are an employee and family-owned company, and we believe that giving back to the communities we serve is the right thing to do."

Stewart's Shops is confirmed as an Official Bronze Level Sponsor of the 2012 Empire State Winter Games, scheduled for Feb. 2-5 in Lake Placid, Saranac Lake and Wilmington.

The designation allows Stewart's the use of the ESWG logo in its promotional material, placement in ESWG promotional and informational materials, venue signage, opportunity for product samplings, ski passes to Whiteface, VIP passes for bobsled rides, sponsorship of one sport and other benefits.

As they did a year ago, Stewart's Shops will offer assistance for the ESWG Torch Run leading into the Opening Ceremony on Feb. 2 in the Lake Placid Olympic Center. Stewart's will provide hot chocolate and cookies at its various locations along the route.

"It's terrific to have the renewed commitment and support from Stewart's Shops," said James McKenna, CEO of the Lake Placid CVB, whose organization is leading the joint local effort. "As a successful, home-grown company, they exemplify the State's athletes for whom we continue the tradition of the Games."

Corporations and other business entities interested in becoming official partners of the 2012 ESWG can see an overview of various sponsor packages by logging on to:

www.empirestatewintergames.com and click on Sponsorship.

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The Empire State Winter Games is a community-driven event, courtesy of a partnership between the Lake Placid CVB, the Town of North Elba, the Village of Lake Placid, the NY State Olympic Regional Development Authority, the Village of Saranac Lake, the Town of Wilmington, Town of Harrietstown, Town of St. Armand, Plattsburgh/North Country Chamber of Commerce, Adirondack Medical Center, Sen. Betty Little, and Essex County. LPEC Quality Destination, Inc., a subsidiary of the LPEC Visitors Bureau, is a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit, and is fiscally responsible for the ESWG.