The Empire State Games will be back in 2010 under a new multi-point formula that seeks corporate sponsorship, a registration fee for athletes, restored state funding and a reduction in some competitions and special events.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation revealed the plan to reinstate the full slate of the 2010 Hugh L. Carey Empire State Games, including the Summer Games that will be held in Buffalo next July. It will be up to local organizers in Buffalo to raise $350,000 in private support for the Summer Games to cover costs associated with the opening night ceremony and local promotion.

Ralph Galanti, part of the local organizing group for Buffalo in 2010, expressed confidence they will be able to muster the necessary support.

"Buffalo and Western New York never fails to come through if they think it is importatnt to the community and its residents," he said.

The 2009 event was cancelled due to New York state’s budget shortfall.

Upon returning next year, state officials plan a two-year, $1 million private fundraising goal as part of the four-point plan to put the Empire State Summer Games, Winter Games, Senior Games and Games for the Physically Challenged on solid financial footing, without relying primarily on taxpayer dollars.

“Meeting our fundraising goal is critical to the long-term viability of the Empire State Games program,” said State Parks Commissioner Carol Ash, whose agency oversees the Games. “While we are able to ensure that the full slate of 2010 Games will continue, we must adapt to financial realities by creating a more self-sustaining program for future competitions. A $1 million level of private support will establish the foundation to help keep the Empire State Games’ flame alive for the coming years.”

State Parks has issued a request for proposals for sponsorships of the event, with hopes of attracting a primary sponsor with naming rights. Additional corporate sponsorships, which may be attached to particular classes of competition, such as the Senior Games or may offer promotional opportunities at particular sports or events at the Games, will also be available. Contributions of in-kind products or services, such as athletic clothing and apparel, sports equipment, lodging and transportation, will also be considered by State Parks.

In addition, a newly formed Empire State Games Advisory Committee has been added. Ed Rutkowski, a former Buffalo Bill, Erie County Executive and State Parks Western District Regional Director is part of the group that will assist in soliciting donations and sponsorships for the Games from private companies, foundations and interested individuals.

Along with vying for corporate support, State Parks said it will implement $400,000 in broad-based participant fees. All athletes who try out for the Winter and Summer Games will pay a new $10 registration fee. Open division Summer Games athletes will pay a $25 housing fee. Housing and meals will continue to be provided at no charge to Summer Scholastic Division (high school) athletes. However, Open division athletes will, for the first time, be charged $25 to defray part of their housing costs. In addition, the registration fee for Summer and Winter Games Masters division athletes and all participants in the Senior Games will be increased from $25 to $40.

The state agency will said it will reduce some $500,000 in expenses by eliminating some competitions, scaling back on special events and programs, reducing clothing for athletes and volunteers, and curtailing equipment and venue rentals. The savings, officials said, will not compromise the overall quality of the competitions but will reduce total program cost for the Games from over $3 million to $2.5 million, not including administrative and staff support for the Games.

New York state will provide $1.7 million over two years, including funding from the New York State Lottery, the Empire State Development Corp., and the General Fund. State Parks will continue to cover the $600,000 annual cost for staffing and administrative support of the Games.