State Senator Jeff Klein (D-Westchester/Bronx) today urged Governor George Pataki to select Westchester County as the host site for the 2007 Empire State Games. Klein reached out today to the Governor today to convey his support and reiterate the many reasons Westchester should be selected to host the Games.
“The facilities available in Westchester are top-notch and I cannot imagine a better location for the 2007 Empire State Games,” said Klein. “I urge Governor Pataki to make the right choice in awarding the Games to Westchester,” Klein continued.
Westchester County is among three locations being considered to host the 2007 Games, which would take place July 24-29, 2007, drawing 6,000 athletes, their families, friends and coaches to the host region. Bringing several thousand tourists to the area in summer would boost the county’s economy, increasing business at restaurants, hotels, retail stores and entertainment and recreational venues.
Funding for the games, a program of the New York State’s Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, would come from the state, with additional private fundraising support here in Westchester. If Westchester is selected as host, most of the activity would take place at the campuses of five colleges: Manhattanville and SUNY Purchase, both in Harrison; Pace University (Pleasantville and Briarcliff); and the College of New Rochelle and Iona College, both in New Rochelle. In all, 29 distinct sports, from archery to volleyball would take place in 21 venues, including all five college campuses, along with Westchester Community College, Mount Vernon and New Rochelle high schools, the Westchester County Center in White Plains, the ice rinks at Playland Ice Casino in Rye and Hommocks Park in Mamaroneck, and other cooperating public and private venues.
