New York Empire State Games Are Back – Good News for Lacrosse

In 2009 the New York Empire State Games were canceled for the first time since 1978 due to budgetary reasons.  It was a major blow to the sport of lacrosse, since the summer games served as a major recruiting tool for college-bound players and the coaches that were recruiting them.

But all was not lost, since Tom Hall (Chairman of NYS lacrosse) and Nike stepped in and organized the “New York State Shootout” to fill the void left by the Empire Games.

Recently the state announced the games are back on.  The 2010 Games are set for July 21-25 and will be in Buffalo, NY.

Athletes will compete and be housed at area colleges and universities.

The largest competition of its kind in the nation, the Games is a multi-sport event for amateur athletes, patterned after the Olympic program.

Athletes must be residents of the State of New York. Following competition (Regional Trials) in each of six regions of New York State, winners numbering some 6,000 will participate in finals competition.

More info on the games can be found at: http://www.empirestategames.org/summer/about.asp