Reinstate the Empire State Games

New Administration-New chance to make this right!!

We, the undersigned, believe that canceling the Summer Games, Winter Games, Senior Games and the Games for the Physically Challenged, is something that needs to be reviewed. We believe that ALL divisions of the Summer Games and Winter Games, along with the entirety of the Senior Games and Games for the Physically Challenged should be re-instated, (along with its staff-which was dismantled under previous administration), based on their merits and what they provide to New Yorkers.


We have a very good understanding of the economic crisis New York State and the entire country are facing. However, we do not feel that the programs offered through the Empire State Games are a drain on the economy, rather we feel they are an economic stimulus to the host cities, and they promote a healthy living style to ALL New Yorkers. There are NO FINER programs in NYS. We need to do the right thing here and be smart regarding just this type of program.

Some of the reasons for this follow:

The Summer Games as a WHOLE entity brings in $10 to $15 Million to the local economy of the host city. The Winter Games brings in $1.5 Million to Lake Placid . If we add the $10 Million (low end) to the $1.5 million, the State tax on this comes to $460,000 directly back to the State in tax revenue. At a cost to the State of only $2 million, we feel this is a VERY wise investment. The Senior Games are Vital to the health of our maturing population and the Physically Challenged Games are the ONLY opportunity these special kids have to participate in a true athletic competition. In a time where we need a boost in the economy, what better way than this? As we sit and listen to the pleas for help from all cities in this State, lets not lose this great program. This year, Lake Placid AND Rochester have made it clear that they NEED these Games. With such a small layout from the State and such an INCREDIBLE return on this investment, PLEASE RECONSIDER!!


Besides the local economic impact, countless athletes have had scholarship money offered as a direct result of participation in the Empire State Games and participants have represented our country in the Olympics and at the professional level. Local colleges and universities have been able to showcase their campuses. And it goes without saying, in both good and bad economic times, the value of athletics cannot be understated.


In conclusion, we the undersigned, are not asking New York State to reinvest tax dollars in an event which is detrimental to the states long term (or short term) economic future. However, we are asking that someone looks at the WHOLE program called the Empire State Games and truly measures the economic impact these Games have on New York States overall economic plan as well as providing an opportunity for ALL New Yorkers to train and stay healthy. We do hope you will do the right thing here and re-institute these GREAT Games!!