Empire State Games Continue at Mitchel Field, NCC

The Nassau County Empire State Games for the Physically Challenged continue through Saturday at Mitchel Field and Nassau Community College.

Competition and demonstrations take place today and tomorrow. Opening ceremonies took place Thursday at the Mitchel Athletic Complex. Athletes ranging in age from 5 to 21, who face a variety of disabilities, will compete in track, field, slalom, swimming, wheelchair basketball and table tennis, according to county executive Ed Mangano. Closing ceremonies take place Saturday at Nassau Community College between 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. 

“The young student athletes who are able to participate in the weekend of events are truly inspirational to watch,” Mangano said. “As you see them cross the finish line, you see the smiles on their faces and tears of joy in their eyes.  For one weekend, they get to compete with their friends from across New York State, share their stories and continue to build long-lasting friendships.”

In 2011 New York State announced plans to eliminate all funding for the Empire State Games. Mangano formed the Committee to Save the Games, which successfully reached its fundraising goal to keep the games alive thanks to the generosity of area businesses, schools and local citizens.

Remaining Schedule of Events:
FRIDAY, MAY 31
Athlete Registration8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Mitchel Athletic Complex
5 to 7 p.m. Nassau Community College

Volunteer Registration
8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Mitchel Athletic Complex
5 to 7 p.m. at Nassau Community College

Track (Mitchel Athletic Complex - refer to Track Schedule)
9:15 a.m. 800M
9:30 a.m. P40, 100M
TBA 40M, 400M 
Field (Mitchel Athletic Complex)
8:30 a.m. Discus, Soft Discus, Club Throw, Precision Throw, Distance Kick 
Adapted Games
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Wheelchair Basketball (NCC – Lower Gym)
3:30 p.m. Warm-ups/Games
Swimming (Nassau Community College Pool)
6 p.m. Warm Up & Check-in for all swimmers
Table Tennis (NCC - Field House)
6 p.m. Check-in and warm-up for all Table Tennis competitors 
SATURDAY, JUNE 1 
Track (Mitchel Athletic Complex - refer to Track Schedule)
9:15 a.m. 1500M
9:30 a.m. P80, 60M
TBA 200M 
Field (Mitchel Athletic Complex)
8:30 a.m. Soft Shot, Shot Put
1:30 p.m.  Long Jump, High jump
Archery (Mitchel Athletic Complex)
10 a.m. Open to all Athletes ages 12 - 21 
Slalom (Mitchel Athletic Complex)
11 a.m. Ambulatory/Wheelchair/PWC 
Celebration Dance (Nassau Community College)
6:30 to 8:30 p.m. 
*Demonstrations Activities All Day Friday and Saturday