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LAKE PLACID, ADIRONDACKS, USA - Organizers of the 2012 Empire State Winter Games (ESWG) discussed events for the February competitions, highlighted a change of event dates to Feb. 2-5, and unveiled a marketing partnership Wednesday.
At a press conference in Lake Placid, two Winter Olympians and past Games competitors also joined the presentation.
Nearly one year ago, the state of New York, after operating the ESWG for 30 years through its Office of Parks and Recreation, dropped the Games in a cost-cutting measure. Virtually overnight, a coalition of regional constituents was formed, raised nearly $100,000, and kept the event alive for approximately 900 athletes.
"There is certainly ongoing commitment to the continuation of this traditional, multi-sport winter event," said James McKenna, CEO, Lake Placid CVB. "It's exciting to be working again with our regional coalition of organizations and municipalities to ensure its success."
Town of North Elba Supervisor Roby Politi, whose town owns several venues, concurred. "Our surrounding communities came together last year in the 11th hour to save the Games for the State's youth," stated Politi. "That commitment is unwavering today as we endeavor to enhance the experience this winter for the athletes and the extended family that is part of the Games."
As this local Adirondack venture approaches year two – but the 32nd running of the Empire State Winter Games – the event will expand from three to four days. The dates have also moved from late February to the beginning of the month.
"It's exciting that the tradition of the Empire State Winter Games continues in Lake Placid," said Ted Blazer, President and CEO of the Olympic Regional Development Authority. Blazer's state agency manages the venues and executes the competitions.
"Year after year, everyone at ORDA is excited to provide world class venues for these young athletes to compete on. For some, this is the pinnacle of their athletic dreams, while others hope that the Games will be a stepping stone to even greater athletic success. It goes without saying that this organization cherishes the role it plays, helping to inspire the youth of this great state."
In the quest to create a more complete experience for the athletes, a marketing firm was secured to generate additional funding.
Behan Communications, of Glens Falls, is charged with selling Games sponsorship opportunities. They will be paid on a commission basis.
Other revenue will be generated in entry fees and small donations from nearby towns and villages that rallied for the cause in November 2010.
"What occurred in 2011 showed what can happen when different constituencies concentrate on a common goal," said Saranac Lake Mayor Clyde Rabideau, whose village will host several competitions, while Saranac Lake village clerk Kareen Tyler will organize the 2012 ESWG Torch Run as she did in 2011. "Saranac Lake is proud and enthusiastic to, once again, play a prominent role in the hosting and execution of several 2012 events."
Added Lake Placid Mayor Craig Randall, "The Empire State Winter Games are as much a part of Lake Placid's Olympic legacy as the Olympic Games themselves and have served as a stepping stone for many New York State athletes who have gone on to participate, and medal, in the Winter Olympic Games. Our success with the 2011 Empire State Winter Games is no surprise – Lake Placid has a long tradition of supporting youth and sport."
During Wednesday's media session, ESWG alumni Erin Hamlin, of Remsen, N.Y., and John Napier, of Schenectady, N.Y., reflected on the importance of the Games to their respective careers.
Hamlin is a 2006 and 2010 Winter Olympian in luge and 2009 World Champion, while Napier, a bobsled driver, has medaled in World Cup racing, including gold in Lake Placid. He competed in the Vancouver Winter Olympics and then immediately joined his National Guard unit in Afghanistan.
For more information on the 2012 Empire State Winter Games, log on to www.empirestatewintergames.com and follow the latest ESWG developments on
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Organizers kicked of the 2012 Empire State Winter Games event in lake Placid.
(L-R: Bill Callen, Behan Communications; James McKenna, Lake Placid CVB; Clyde Rabideau, Mayor, Saranac Lake;
Jim Goff, ORDA; John Napier, US Olympian; Erin Hamlin, US Olympian)
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., an arm of the LPEC Visitors Bureau, is a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit, and is fiscally responsible for the ESWG.