LAKE PLACID, N.Y., Feb. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- A fireworks show and the
lighting of the torch highlighted the opening ceremonies at the Empire State
Games in Lake Placid Friday night.  It was an enthusiastic ending to the first
full day of events taking place over this weekend.
    The parade of 1,200 athletes marched onto the ice of the Olympic Arena,
witnessed by approximately 4,000 spectators.  The winners of today's alpine
skiing and biathlon events were awarded their medals, and Coley Cole, the
winner of the men's downhill, was granted the honor of lighting the torch.
    Afterwards, athletes, games staff and spectators alike were treated to a
carnival with free refreshments and the opportunity to try their skills on
winter sports events.  People were trying their luge skills on the Olympic
Center ice, practicing their hockey shots at the same site as the 1980
"Miracle on Ice" when the U.S. beat the Soviets in Olympic ice hockey, or
seeing how close they can hit the target in curling.  "This is probably the
largest and most enthusiastic crowd we have had for the winter games," said
Fred Smith, director of the Empire State Games.
    The evening was capped by a 10-minute fireworks show over frozen Mirror
Lake -- by far frozen enough for spectators to walk on and get a closer view.
    Competition continues tomorrow in all eight sports taking place at the
Games.  The evening will feature the New York Lottery's 30th birthday party,
where one lucky winner will walk home with an extra $30,000 in his or her
pocket while 30 others will take a consolation prize of $1,000.
    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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