One of my FAVORITE sporting events is back!  No, it doesn't have to do with football- I know that game is coming up, and everyone's talking about it.   I'm talking about the Empire State Winter Games!  This is New York's own version of a 'mini-Olympics,' bringing together a plethora of winter sports- from ski racing to figure skating-  and thousand's of competitive athletes of all ages.  Last year, over 2,000 athletes competed in the Empire State Winter Games, from high school athletes to a Master's division.  This year, more athletes are expected.  The event is happening February 1st-4th north of Albany in Lake Placid, with a huge (and free) opening ceremony kicking off the games.

I used to compete in these games every year when I was an up-and-comping alpine ski racer, before I raced NCAA.  These games are integral to winter sports in New York, and some of the racers I competed with years and years ago are now in the ACTUAL Winter Olympic Games.  Professional athletes such as Andrew Weibrecht  and Tommy Biesemeyer of the U.S. Ski Team were once Empire State Winter Games athletes.  These games are the real deal for New York athletes, and you can see some great talent.  They're a great event to attend, to cheer on, and to support.

According to WAMC, this year the Empire State Winter Games will be 'bigger and better,' and I can only imagine the exciting atmosphere of competition in a current Winter Olympic year.  Each year that I would compete, there were a number of athletes from the Capital Region, and I know some going this year- here's to hoping that our athletes do well!!!

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