-Torch ceremony to be held at Highmark Blue Shield Office in Latham-
Latham, N.Y. – On Wednesday, Feb. 1, the 2023 Empire State Winter Games Torch Relay will make its way to the Capital Region, stopping at the Latham offices of Highmark Blue Shield of Northeastern New York.
As presenting sponsor of the 43rd Empire State Winter Games, Highmark Blue Shield will serve as the Capital Region’s only stop on the torch’s 500-mile journey up to Lake Placid. The health plan is inviting the public to join them to cheer on organizers and torch bearers from the SHRED Foundation. The free event will start at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, February 1 at 40 Century Hill Drive Latham.
“Each year, many of our Capital Region residents represent our region and compete in this major sporting event,” said Michael Ball, Vice President, Corporate Affairs. “We invite the community to join us in celebrating their success and the healthy competition the games inspire.”
The ESWG, the largest multi-sport amateur athletic winter sporting event in North America, is expected to draw around 2,000 athletes competing in more than 30 events in Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, Tupper Lake, Paul Smiths and the surrounding area.
The Torch Relay kicks off Sunday, Jan. 29 from two starting points, Buffalo and New York City, as the beginning of its five-day journey that culminates in Lake Placid for the Opening Ceremony of the Feb. 2-5 Games.
The torch relay is expected to involve up to 30 communities, schools, sports clubs, mascots, arenas and other venues as the ESGW flame winds its way east and north. In connecting three corners of New York state, the relay symbolizes a unifying spirit, inspiration and resilience as the ESWG celebrates the power of sport and community. Upon the torch’s arrival in Lake Placid Thursday, Feb. 2, the Opening Ceremony will take place and competition begins the next day.
For more information on the games visit: empirestatewintergames.com
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About Highmark Blue Shield of Northeastern New York
Highmark Blue Shield of Northeastern New York is a trade name of Highmark Western and Northeastern New York Inc., an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Since 1946, Highmark Blue Shield of Northeastern New York has helped millions of people lead healthier lives. Blue Shield offers a full range of insured, self-insured, and government programs and services covering businesses, families, and individuals, as well as dental and vision plans and stop-loss coverage. As a community-based, not-for-profit health plan, Highmark Blue Shield contributes significantly to organizations that strengthen and enrich the health of the community.
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