Empire State Games will go on despite funding crisis

Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano announced Tuesday that the Empire State Games for the Physically Challenged, which have taken place in Nassau for the past 26 years, will be held this year even though the state has eliminated funding.

The games will be held June 2 to 4 at Mitchel Athletic Complex and at Nassau Community College, he said, “due to the generosity of sponsors, private donations and in-kind resources from Nassau County.”

Mangano introduced Susan Gordon Ryan of Point Lookout, a founder of the event, and Charles D. Hammerman, who heads the Disability Opportunity Fund in Albertson, as major supporters of the competition's continuation.

Hofstra University is donating housing to the athletes, while King Kullen is providing food, he said.

“We're asking the public to get involved to help keep the games alive,” Mangano said.

More information is available at www.savethegames.org.