Empire State Games come to White Plains, NY

July 28, 2007 The is an annual Olympic-style competition for   from the state of New York, United States, encompassing several divisions allowing athletes of all ages to compete. In 2007, it is hosted by and takes place July 25–29, 2007. In all, some 6,000 athletes are expected to participate.

"I think the Empire State Games is one of the best things that's happened to Westchester County," Buster LaBarbera, 74, of said. "It's good for the economy and it's just a great thing."

had made a bid to host the games but lost out to Westchester. "Once done, it's done," said Bob Kenney, region director for Long Island, at the opening ceremonies. "We can't look back. We can't hold grudges." Long Island may submit a bid for the games in 2010 according to Kenney.

Saturday, the cycling events took place in. Starting at 7:00 a.m., races for both men and women began at Martine Avenue at Court Street in downtown White Plains.

Criterium races (those are age brackets for the masters series):
 * Masters Men 45-54, 12
 * Masters Men 35-44, 18 miles
 * Open Men, 31 miles
 * Open Women, 18 miles
 * Masters Men 55-64, 65+, 10 miles
 * Masters Women 35-44, 45-54, 55+, 10 miles

Street closures included: Quarropas Street, Mamaroneck Avenue, Martine Avenue, and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Parts of Court Street and Grand Street had limited access. Road closures began at 5:00 a.m. The course was basically a large square.

Wikinews was there to cover the men's open event race. Points were awarded for sprints on certain laps. Joe Zaverdas from, New York, representing the Long Island region, won with 75 points. 58 riders participated.