LAKE PLACID, N.Y., Feb. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- The alpine skiers endured a
three-hour delay this morning at Whiteface Mountain before going through their
training run in preparation for the upcoming competition in downhill, giant
slalom and slalom competition.  All this is to take place over the next three
days as part of the Empire State Winter Games in Lake Placid.
    Among the key competitors in the downhill is 18-year old Coley Cole, who
took gold in last year's ESG.  "My turns are a lot cleaner and I can also stay
in my tuck a lot more," says Cole, who hails from Mechanicville, NY and has
been skiing for 12 years.  "I feel it's real organized here and the field is
well taking care of, and it's always an honor to race here," Cole said about
the course in Lake Placid, where he says he takes to the slopes everyday.
   Also on the men's alpine skiing roster for the Empire State Games is Thomas
Vonn of Newburgh, NY, who won gold in last year's slalom and giant slalom at
the Empire State Games.  John Minahan of Sodus Point, NY won the silver in the
giant slalom and is also listed to compete this year.
    Alexandra Munteanu from Cortland Park highlights the women's field.  "The
Empire State Games is good training for the Junior Olympics and Nationals,"
says Munteanu, who medalled in last year's giant slalom and downhill events,
thanks in part to five hours of practice per day during the skiing season and
9-10 hours of strength and endurance workouts during the off-season.
    This morning's delay was due to poor visibility as fog moved into the
area.
    Along with the schedule of sporting events taking place this weekend at
the Empire State Games is the New York Lottery's 30th birthday party.  $60,000
dollars of prizes will be awarded -- $30,000 to one lucky winner -- as part of
the festivities Saturday night.
    Competition in the 17th-annual Empire States Games is slated to begin
tomorrow and will run until Sunday.  The following is a complete schedule of
events:

    Alpine Skiing -- Whiteface Mountain
    Downhill -- Friday, February 28                        10 a.m.
    Giant Slalom -- Saturday, March 1                      10 a.m.
    Slalom -- Sunday, March 2                              10 a.m.

    Figure Skating -- Olympic Arena
    Practice -- Friday, February 28                         8 a.m.
    Competition -- Saturday, March 1                        8 a.m.

    Biathlon -- Mt. Van Hoevenberg
    Individual -- Friday, February 28                       1 p.m.
    Relay -- Saturday, March 2                              1 p.m.

    Luge Championships -- Mt. Van Hoevenberg
    Juniors Singles -- Saturday, March 1                    9 a.m.
    Seniors Singles -- Sunday, March 2                      9 a.m.
    Bobsled/Skeleton -- Mt. Van Hoevenberg
    Skeleton -- Saturday, March 1                           9 a.m.
    Skeleton -- Sunday, March 2                             9 a.m.
    Bobsled -- Saturday, March 1                           10 a.m.
    Bobsled -- Sunday, March 2                             10 a.m.

    Nordic Sprint (Snowshoes)
    Location - High School Track -- Saturday, March 1         Noon
    Location - Craigwood Golf Course -- Sunday, March 2       Noon

    Cross Country
    Freestyle 5k/10k -- Saturday, March 1                  10 a.m.
    Classical 5k/10k -- Sunday, March 2                     9 a.m.

    Ski Orienteering -- North Creek
    Individual -- Saturday, March 1                        11 a.m.

    Opening ceremonies will take place Friday evening at 6:00 p.m. followed by
a winter festival.  Gold medal winners from Friday's events will have the
honor of lighting the torch.
    The New York Lottery is the primary sponsor of the 1997 Empire State
Winter Games.  The New York Lottery is an important part of funding education
in communities throughout the State.

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