On the 16th of August 1978, 4,500 men and women paraded through the old Archbold Stadium on the campus of Syracuse University and ignited the torch for the Empire State Games and, along with it, a new spirit and the beginning of a new and exciting grassroots amateur sports movement in the United States.

Today, more than 40 states around the country have instituted state games programs attracting nearly a half-million participants each year. New York's Empire State Games are not only the first program of its kind in the nation but is often considered to be the most successful, setting a standard for multi-sport amateur athletic programs and offering opportunities to all of New York's athletes.

Of course, none of this would be possible without our parent agency, the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation or the generous and continuing partnership of the New York Lottery. They, along with thousands of volunteers from across this state, are what have made the Empire State Games the wonderfully exciting program it is today.

The real focus, however, is on the athletes. Each year, more than 30,000 men and women, young and old, tryout for the chance to be a finalist at the Games in scholastic, open or masters divisions. And in each of our 28 sports competition is keen. Through the years, many athletes have been part of the Games and moved on to national, international and Olympic competition. Games' alumni include world champions, Olympic gold medalists, college and high school All-Americans, professional athletes in the NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL - as well as figure skaters, skiers, soccer players and many more. But for every Olympic Dream Team member (we have two) there are thousands of athletes for whom the Empire State Games may be the pinnacle of their athletic career. And that is what makes these Games so special.

Join us at the Empire State Games, as a participant, a volunteer, or as a spectator. It's an experience you won't soon forget.

If you cannot find the information you are looking for on this web site, please call the Games Office at 518-474-8889
or by mail
Empire State Games
Albany, NY 12238.