Press Release
June 05, 2007
For Release: Immediate
Press Contact:
Eileen Larrabee
Catherine Jimenez
518.486.1868
New York State Parks Celebrates 25th Anniversary Of Empire State Senior Games
Games to be Held June 5-10, 2007 in Cortland
Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Carol Ash today recognized the 25th anniversary of New York's Empire State Senior Games. This year's competition is being held Tuesday, June 5 through Sunday, June 10 at SUNY Cortland.
"For 25 years New York State Parks has been the proud sponsor of the Empire State Senior Games, promoting the health and fitness of senior New Yorkers and providing opportunities for athletes to come together to share their enthusiasm of sports and recreation," said Ash. "The popularity of the Games continues to grow each year, highlighting the commitment of our seniors to a healthy and active lifestyle. We are grateful for our sponsors and volunteers whose hard work and dedication have made the Games an exciting and enjoyable experience, and we look forward to continuing for another 25 years!"
Robert J. McLaughlin, Director of the New York State Lottery said, "Congratulations to New York State Parks on this, the Silver Anniversary of the Empire State Senior Games. Under the leadership of Governor Spitzer, the Lottery proudly sponsors the Senior Games as well as the Summer and Winter Games and the Games for the Physically Challenged and we applaud Parks and its on-going efforts to encourage fitness at any age and level of ability."
Michael Burgess, Director of the New York State Office for the Aging said, "The Empire State Games is a wonderful venue to spotlight the abilities and spirit of all the participants who represent older New Yorkers who maintain healthy and vibrant lifestyles that foster well-being and good health in later years."
The Empire State Senior Games is an organized sports and leisure program available to New York State residents aged 50 an older. The Games were established in 1982 in an effort to encourage fitness as a life-long activity and to provide competitive recreational opportunities for seniors, combining sports and games with fun and fitness.
The Senior Games attract nearly 2,000 athletes from across New York State. Athletes participate in more than 20 competitive sports and recreational events such as basketball, golf, track & field, swimming and dancing. In even numbered years the Games serve as a qualifying event for the U.S. National Senior Games. There are also instructional clinics, informational exhibits and educational seminars. Each evening features an informal social event specifically for Senior Games' participants.
The Empire State Senior Games, along with the Empire State Games, Empire State Winter Games and the Games for the Physically Challenged, are administered by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. The four competitions are sponsored by the New York State Lottery. The Senior Games are also sponsored by the New York State Office for the Aging, CDPHP, Cortland Regional Sports Council, Epic, and the United States Tennis Association. Additional information on all Empire State Games programs is available at www.empirestategames.org or call 518-474-8889.
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