On the 16th of August 1978, 4,500 men and women paraded through old Archbold Stadium on the campus of Syracuse University and ignited the torch for the first 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, patterned after the Olympics, is not only the first and largest of its kind in the nation, but is often considered to be among the most successful - setting the standard for multi-sport amateur athletic programs. Today’s Empire State Games are really four distinct programs offering opportunities to all of New York's athletes: The Empire State Winter Games, Games for the Physically Challenged, Senior Games and Summer Games all contribute greatly to the fabric of this state’s great athletic legacy.

The Empire State Games is a program of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, is a member of the National Congress of State Games, and is recognized by the United States Olympic Committee.

Each year, more than 30,000 men and women, young and old, tryout in the spring for a chance to represent their region as a finalist at the Summer Games in scholastic, open or masters divisions. And in each of the sports competition is keen. Through the years, many Games’ alumni have moved on to national, international and Olympic competition. They 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 pro athlete or Olympian there are a thousand athletes for whom the Empire State Games may be the pinnacle of their athletic career. And that is what makes these Games so special.

Summer Games participants, all of whom must be residents of New York State, enter the Games at a regional level and tryout for their selected sport. Tryouts are conducted from early May through late June and rosters are finalized in early July. All participants must participate in a Regional Tryout to qualify for the finals. There are no entry fees for the Open and Scholastic Divisions except for Bowling lanes fees. Open and Scholastic Division athletes who qualify for their Regional team to compete at the Finals will be offered transportation (via Regional buses from selected locations) and housing and some meals at host college campuses in the finals host city at no cost.

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 contact the Games Office, at 518-474-8889 or by mail: Empire State Games, Albany, NY 12238.