Empire State Winter Games moved to first week of February

PHOTOGRAPHER: The Associated Press

Organizers of the 2012 Empire State Winter Games are expanding the event by one day and moving the competitions to the first week of February.

A marketing firm has been hired to generate additional funding for the 32nd edition of the games. Behan Communications of Glens Falls is responsible for selling sponsorship opportunities and will be paid on a commission basis.

Other revenue will be generated by entry fees from the approximately 900 athletes expected to participate from Feb. 2 to 5, and small donations from towns and villages around Lake Placid.

The games have been a steppingstone for many New York state athletes who’ve gone on to participate in the Winter Olympics, including luger Erin Hamlin of Remsen, the 2009 World Champion, and bobsledder John Napier of Schenectady.

Last year the Winter Games were held in late February.