Empire State Games named for Gov. Hugh Carey

By Peter Iglinski

Rochester, NY – The Empire State Games are underway in Rochester.

More than six-thousand athletes from around the state walked into PAETEC Park during Wednesday night's opening ceremony. Among the dignitaries on hand was State Parks Commissioner Bernadette Castro who announced that the games would be named in honor of former Governor Hugh Carey who started the event 29 years ago.

Carey said the Games were started to give hope to New Yorkers at a time when the state was facing significant financial troubles.

The athletes will be competing in some 30 different sports during the four days of the games. The events will be held at venues throughout the county.