This is a petition to bring back the Open and Masters Divisions of the 2009 Summer Empire State Games... a HUGE New York State tradition for the past 31 years.

It's hard for all the Open and Master's participants to figure out why their divisions have been cancelled for 2009-2010 games. Open and Masters athlete's do not require room and board, and they already pay a $25 fee to enter. Yes they have been getting free uniforms the last few years, but that can be cut out, making the team/players responsible for their own uniforms.
Even an increase in the fee would be better then cancellation...

The summer portion of the Empire State Games has been a boon for the local economy each year. Past figures supplied by the Empire State Games promote the local economic impact at between $6 million and $17 million, depending on the location. So cutting the Open and Masters will be a big loss for local businesses in the sponsoring community.

We the undersigned are hoping that you will re-think these cuts and bring back the Open and Masters Division's to the 2009 Hudson Valley Summer Empire State Games.