Save the 2009 Open and Masters Summer Empire State Games

To:  Governor Patterson and Commissioner Carol Ash

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.

Sincerely,

The Undersigned

The Save the 2009 Open and Masters Summer Empire State Games Petition to Governor Patterson and Commissioner Carol Ash was created by Empire State Games Open and Masters Participants & Fans and written by Peter Bell (pete.bell@ametek.com).  This petition is hosted here at www.PetitionOnline.com as a public service. There is no endorsement of this petition, express or implied, by Artifice, Inc. or our sponsors. For technical support please use our simple Petition Help form.