Community Bank is continuing its support of the Empire State Winter Games as the title sponsor for the 45th annual event, set for Jan. 30-Feb. 2. This marks the eighth year the bank has held the title sponsorship, reinforcing its commitment to winter sports and local communities in the Adirondack region.
As part of the celebration, Community Bank will also participate in the games’ signature Olympic-style torch relay. The 700-mile relay, starting from Buffalo and New York City, will culminate in Lake Placid for the opening ceremony. Along the way, the torch will stop at nine Community Bank branches, beginning with Waterloo on Jan. 23 and ending in Lake Placid on Jan. 30.
“The Empire State Winter Games is a tradition like no other, and we’re proud to continue our support,” said Community Bank President and CEO Dimitar Karaivanov. “These games bring our communities together in meaningful ways, leaving a lasting impact on the Adirondack region and beyond.”
The Empire State Winter Games is the largest Olympic-style winter sports event in the Northeast, featuring approximately 2,500 athletes competing in 25 events, including alpine skiing, figure skating, and sled hockey. Open to all ages and abilities, the games draw participants from across New York and neighboring states.
Adirondack Sports Council Executive Director Tracy Smith highlighted the importance of the torch relay, calling it “a powerful symbol of unity and celebration” that showcases the pride of the games. “As we honor the legacy of athletes and the historic venues that have shaped winter sports, we look forward to igniting new dreams and creating lasting memories,” Smith said.
The games are made possible through partnerships with the state of New York, the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism, and the New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].