New York suspends Senior Games for fiscal 2009
The horrid economy is punishing masters as well. Latest example is a decision to suspend the Senior Olympics in New York state. According to this press release, “the annual Senior Games, and all Masters, and Open competitions in the Winter and Summer Games, will be suspended for the 2009-10 fiscal year.” В Drat. В Not sure how this affects smaller Senior Olympics in the state.В
Here’s the bulk of the release:
State Parks Announces Plan for 2009-10 Empire State Games
Participation Fees, Discontinuation of Certain Events Necessary to Preserve Games for High School and Physically Challenged Athletes, while Addressing Record State Budget Deficits
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation today outlined a plan that preserves the Governor Hugh L. Carey Empire State Games for high school and physically challenged athletes, while also taking necessary action to address an economic downturn that is severely impacting the state budget.
In the 2009-10 fiscal year, participation fees of $285 and up to $100 will be implemented for the Summer and Winter Games, respectively. Previously, there had been no participation fee. The Games for the Physically Challenged will continue to have no participation fee.
In addition, the annual Senior Games, and all Masters, and Open competitions in the Winter and Summer Games, will be suspended for the 2009-10 fiscal year. Certain events and activities for high school athletes and the physically challenged will also be suspended or scaled back, as detailed below.
The changes for the 2009-10 fiscal year are in response to a 10 percent agency spending reduction ordered to help the state address a precipitous reduction in revenues caused by a deep recession. The Empire State Games, which originated in 1978, has operated on an annual budget of $3 million – including $2.7 million in state funding support. State funding support will be discontinued in 2009-10.
“In a time of unprecedented fiscal crisis, the unfortunate reality is that reductions have to be made across every area of government,” said Carol Ash, Commissioner of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. “We have sought to strike an appropriate balance that allows the Games to continue for high school and physically challenged athletes, while also helping the state address its record $15.4 billion deficit.”
Looking ahead to the 2010 Summer Games in Buffalo, Ash indicated that the agency would be pursuing private sponsorship with the hope of reinstating the suspended competitions, as well as revisiting the new fee structure.
4 Responses
That is really sad news. I competed in the Track and Field Open Division at the 1st Empire State Games in 1978. It was the last event in McArthur stadium before it got turn down. I’m 53 years old and still compete in Pennsylvania and surrounding areas and have competed at the outdoor National Masters and Senior Games.
Maybe some private funding can keep them alive for 2009. Too bad Hilary Clinton is still paying off campaign debt. Maybe Bill can kick in a million $ or so.
Just to set the record straight…………Masters athletes and Senior athletes in New York State ALWAYS paid entry fees to enter the meets as well as paying for their own room and board and transportation fees and for the uniform to wear. These athletes did not get a “free ride” for anything. We have ALWAYS paid our way. Last year at the 2008 Empire State Games, Masters Division competition, we were limited to 4 throws per athlete per throwing event because we were told “There were too many athletes competing this year and they had to limit the number of throws so that the events would be completed before nightime”.
So…..to test the logic……………if there are too many athletes competing, and they all are paying their way, this would imply a nice cash influx into the Masters program. I guess that in the eyes of New York State the amount of money coming in is not enough to cover the expenses so why not suspend it all together. Too much athlete participation is a bad thing.
Sure glad that other neighboring states are ready to welcome us and help us maintain an active healthy lifestyle. I was not looking forward to an early retirement from throwing just yet.
The Senior Games have always had fees, paid their own expenses, promoted sportsmanship, exhibited a healthy lifestyle for others to follow, stimulated the local economy, and had ever increasing participation.
NYS rewards its Seniors by cutting their program first. The program was “loaded” with dedicated volunteers. I would be truly surprised if the Senior Games cost NYS anything.
I have been separated from many friends that I looked forward to reuniting with each year. My disgust for this incorrect decision grows with the sense of loss!
There is an endearing term for this and it has a very long history. It is called the “Washington Monument Gambit”. Google for it.
Whenever a government agency is threatened with budget “cuts” and in most cases cuts to them means a decrease in the rate of increase, they close down a popular user attraction that will cause a public outcry and have a greater chance of reinstatement due to political pressure. High School athletes do not vote, masters and seniors do.
That said, I doubt that the entry fees and other costs paid by seniors going to the games covers all the costs of putting on that portion of the games. I have been a T&F meet director in the past, the cost of renting the venue alone is substantial and medals or trophies are not cheap, but it’s certainly not the millions that they claim to be “saving”.
I’m a 60+ runner & shot putter, but I do not compete at the empire state games.
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