SYRACUSE -- State funding for the Empire State Games will end in the next fiscal year, and that means high school athletes will have to pay if they want to play.
The New York parks department made the announcement Friday, blaming the state's huge budget deficit.
Starting this year, participation fees will be set at $285 for the summer games and up to $100 for the winter games. Up to now, there had been no participation fees. Games for the physically challenged will continue without participation fees.
Also, senior games and all masters and open competitions in the winter and summer games will be suspended for the 2009-10 fiscal year.
The Empire State Games began in 1978 and have operated on an annual budget of $3 million, most of it from the state.
Starting this year, participation fees will be set at $285 for the summer games and up to $100 for the winter games. Up to now, there had been no participation fees. Games for the physically challenged will continue without participation fees.
Also, senior games and all masters and open competitions in the winter and summer games will be suspended for the 2009-10 fiscal year.
The Empire State Games began in 1978 and have operated on an annual budget of $3 million, most of it from the state.
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The Truth wrote on Jan 9, 2009 1:51 PM: