Press Release
October 05, 1998
**PRESS RELEASE**
EMPIRE STATE GAMES ATHLETE WINS NATIONAL AWARD
(Albany, New York, October 5, 1998 ...) State Parks Commissioner Bernadette Castro announced today that Thrine Marie Kane of North Merrick, Long Island, Athlete of the Year for New York's Empire State Games, has been selected National Athlete of the Year by the National Congress of State Games.
Ms. Kane won an unprecedented four gold medals while setting four records in rifle shooting events at this summer's Games in Rochester. Her achievements added to the 12 gold, one silver and one bronze medal won at shooting event competitions during the previous five years at the Empire State Games.
"Thrine is a wonderful example of the best of New York's athletes participating in the Empire State Games," said Commissioner Castro. "She is among the young men and women who excel in both the classroom and on the playing fields. I join all New Yorkers in congratulating her on this terrific achievement."
The teenager placed fifth out of 72 competitors at the National Junior Olympic championships in Colorado Springs earlier this year and has competed at the national level in other competitions.
Ms. Kane is in her senior year at Sanford Calhoun High School in North Merrick, carries a 98 grade average, and numbers the National Honor Society among her many academic achievements. She has won awards for both art and writing, plays the cello and classical guitar in her free time.
Although Ms. Kane is involved in many worthwhile and wholesome activities, including participation in the Empire State Games, she also participates in Athletes Helping Athletes, a school organization which educates younger students on the dangers of drugs and alcohol while promoting involvement in sports.
The National Congress of State Games is comprised of more than 40 states which patterns their games after New York's Empire State Games. Each state selected a male and female athlete who was then judged by a panel of state game administrators to select the National Athlete of the Year. New York's selections were made by a statewide committee after reviewing recommendations of coaches and sports chairpersons.
Soren Thompson, a fencer from the California State Games, was selected as the male athlete of the year at the awards dinner during the annual symposium of the National Congress of State Games held Saturday, October 3, in Roanoke, Virginia.
The Empire State Games is a 27-sport, Olympic style amateur athletic competition for outstanding New York athletes. The Games are a program of the State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation with support from the New York Lottery.