2023 Empire State Winter Games Torch Relay
2023 Empire State Winter Games Torch Relay
43rd Event Starting from Two Points, NYC’s Chelsea Piers Sky Rink & the Buffalo Area’s Holiday Valley Ski Resort in Ellicottville
LAKE PLACID - The 43rd Empire State Winter Games (ESWG) Torch Relay kicks off Sunday, Jan. 29 from two starting points, Buffalo and New York City, as the beginning of its five-day journey that culminates in Lake Placid for the Opening Ceremony of the Feb. 2-5 Games.
With title sponsor Community Bank, N.A., along with presenting sponsors Zappone Chrysler Jeep Dodge Inc.; Jeep; Highmark Blue Shield of Northeastern New York; Stewart’s Shops; Casella Waste Systems and Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort, the torch relay will be welcomed by dozens of communities along the two routes that will merge in Lake Placid.
The torch relay kicks off Sunday, Jan. 29 at New York City’s Chelsea Piers Sky Rink and the Buffalo area’s Holiday Valley Ski Resort in Ellicottville.
Dash Hegeman, Marketing Director of Holiday Valley Resort said, “Having the opportunity to be a part of the tradition of the Empire State Winter Games is an honor. The Torch Relay is a 700-mile journey that will make stops throughout the state so being able to kick that off here in Ellicottville is something that Holiday Valley is very excited about. The Winter Games embody so much of the dedication and passion for winter sports that we here at the resort try to showcase to people every single day. “
Along with visits to sponsor Community Bank locations, the torch relay is expected to involve up to 30 communities, schools, sports clubs, mascots, arenas and other venues as the ESGW flame winds its way east and north. In connecting three corners of New York state, the relay symbolizes a unifying spirit, inspiration and resilience as the ESWG celebrates the power of sport and community.
Among the stops: From the West -- Gowanda Schools on January 30; the Batavia Ice Arena in Batavia on Jan. 31; Cortland’s J.M. McDonald Sports Complex Feb. 1; Watertown Skating Club on Feb. 2.
From the South – The Rinx at Hidden Pond in Hauppauge on Jan. 30; Poughkeepsie’s McCann Ice Arena, along with Community Banks in Kinderhook and Valatie on Jan. 31; Kiwanis Ice Arena in Saugerties Feb. 1; Granville, Ticonderoga and Tupper Lake on Feb. 2.
At some stops, the torch will be feted with parades and by local athletes and teams, dignitaries and special ceremonies. Upon the torch’s arrival in Lake Placid Thursday, Feb. 2, the Opening Ceremony will take place and competition begins the next day.
The ESWG, the largest multi-sport amateur athletic winter sporting event in North America, is expected to draw around 2,000 athletes competing in more than 30 events in Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, Tupper Lake, Paul Smiths and the surrounding area.
Registration is still open for participants. Visit empirestatewintergames.com You do not have to be a resident of New York State to participate in the Empire State Games, and most sports are open to all levels. Connect with the Games on www.EmpireStateWinterGames.com, //Facebook.com/ESWGames, //Instagram.com/ESWGames and Twitter @ESWGames.