Hudson Valley Empire State Games Ice Hockey

As the 2013 Winter Games Close, this was released by the ESG:
 

• First, we congratulate all the athletes and organizers of the 33^rd Annual Empire State Winter Games, which were just completed in Lake Placid. More than 1,100 amateur athletes competed, marking a significant increase over previous years’ competitions.

• We are pleased that ESSF was instrumental in the financing of the 2013 Winter ESG, as a result of the new partnership that combines both Winter and Summer Games under one ESG banner.

• These Winter Games marked the first time the new Hugh L Carey ESG logo was on display on New York’s premier fields of amateur competition. The gold, silver and bronze medals which amateur champions took home with them, all proudly display the new blue & gold ESG emblem.

• Meanwhile, public excitement and anticipation of the Summer Games continues to spread. On a daily basis, the Empire State Sports Foundation hears from individuals who are looking forward to the return of competition.

• As we have reached to our corporate partners to bring the Summer Games back in world class fashion, repeatedly we find that unanticipated corporate and foundation monies have been channeled already this year into Sandy Relief. As a result there are many fewer dollars available for sponsorship or gifting than is normally the case.

• And this is as it should be. There are people still in dire need and recovery mode in greater New York, Long Island and New Jersey. It’s appropriate that sport comes second to the well-being of New York’s citizens.

• Therefore, the Empire State Sports Foundation, in coordination with our regional organizers, has made the difficult decision to delay the re-launch of the Summer Games until 2014, so that Games can be played to their full potential, in the world-class style enjoyed by athletes of decades past.

• The good news is that Rochester remains fully prepared to host the Summer Games in 2014. Colleges, sports venues, hotels and government agencies can take full advantage of the good work that’s gone into ESG development and planning this past 18 months.

• The Foundation will spend this next year broadening support for our underlying mission: which is to promote amateur sport and the values associated with competitive excellence for the benefit of the citizens and communities of New York State.