The Empire State Winter Games wrapped up Sunday with hundreds of athletes from across New York winning medals.
However, this event doubles as a way to not only showcase those competing, but also the entire Adirondack region.
“These games started shortly after the 1980 Olympic Winter Games,” Adirondack Sports Council Director of Communications Jon Lundin said. “They are the biggest and they're the longest continuous, state games in the entire country."
For many of the athletes, the competition is the opportunity of a lifetime.
“It means so much to me because I've been working really hard for so many years to compete in Empire,” figure skater Jayden Hess said.
“It's really fun to have an opportunity to come and skate somewhere like Lake Placid with the Olympic rings,” Massena Figure Skating Club Coach Zowie Auger said.
For some, that opportunity comes with a chance to medal.
“I’m very happy with my performance. I think I did my best and I'm so happy for all my teammates and all the people who I competed against,” figure skater Lacy Hogan said.
“Long after these games, years down the road, I bet you you will see some take those those medals out and show their own families,” Lundin added.