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Empire State Games Experience
Empire State Games Experience - Jan 8, 2008
Take Part in New York's Premier Athletic Competition
Empire State Games Experience
New York's Empire State Games are not only the first program of its kind in the nation but is often considered to be the most successful, setting a standard for multi-sport amateur athletic programs and offering opportunities to all of New York's athletes.
The purpose of the EMPIRE STATE GAMES is to:
-- encourage wholesome athletic competition among the residents of New York State, particularly the youth;
-- foster incentive for the improvement of amateur rugby in New York State;
-- develop public recognition of the dedicated amateur athlete.
In 1997 the New York State Parks Department introduces Rugby 7s as an exhibition sport. In 1998 Empire State Games in Rochester, New York, 144 players played their 1st official Rugby 7s matches in the Empire State Games. New York State is broken up into 6 regions. Each region has one men and women’s team. Western, Central, Adirondack, Hudson Valley, Long Island, and New York City are the regions represented. Each region plays a round robin tournament with the best 4 teams having a chance to play for gold, silver and bronze medals.
With the popularity of Rugby 7s increasing all over the world, the Empire State Games has helped improve the awareness of the sport of Rugby 7s. The Empire State Games has encouraged individuals to play at a higher level. We have seen players begin their young rugby careers with the Empire State Games and continued their careers to become members of the US national team (US Eagles), US Developmental (Atlantis) and all-star territory teams (Midwest and Northeast and New York State).
While the Empire State Games promotes Rugby 7s, the real focus is on the athletes. With more than 6,000 athletes in 28 sports, the Empire State Games provide a forum for competition and provides experienced referees and many volunteers to help with every aspect of the event. The Games encourage team unity, fair play, and individual growth. For players who are fortunate to make the team, a bond is developed. And it is the love of the competition and the love of rugby that bond them together – a bond that will always be there long after their rugby careers have passed.
In 1998, Long Island men beat out a Western team to win gold metal 35 – 14. In the women’s division, Central beat the Long Island region 12-0. In 1999 Rugby 7s became an official sport in the Empire State Games. Since 1998 Empire State Rugby 7s has become more competitive as players and coach have become more experienced in the game of Rugby 7. The 2007 Empire State Games proved to be the most exciting “Games” ever. Multi-winner Long Island (2006 Empire State Champion) men were upset by an up and coming Adirondack side. In the women’s division a very young Western side defeated Adirondack.
As a former player and a present Empire State Game coach, I remember all the hard work over the summer, the friends, and the opponents, the playing conditions and the special moments in time. I remember the questions asked by parents, grandparents and passer by. What are the rules? How do you score? What’s a scrum? Why don’t you wear equipment? I didn’t know women played rugby? How can I find a local team? All these questions I heard from people just walking by the venue. I believe people find Rugby 7s an exciting sport to watch and you do not have to know the rules to enjoy the game.
As a chairperson for Rugby 7s, I witness parents and grandparents traveling long distances to see their kids and grand kids play rugby. Many who may never have witnessed a rugby game, becoming instant fans. To hear a father talk about his daughter’s play on the field and be amazed about her competitive spirit. To witness that same player at the end of the day, proud of their accomplishments even thou they didn’t get to the medal round. To hear a coach tell his players how proud he was of their play and that their future looks bright for the coming years. To hear a father say “I never knew she could be so physical---I never knew she was that tough!”. To watch a player with little physical tools for many sports, dominate in rugby because of his/her love for the game. To watch 2nd generation player in the “Games” and watch their parents display their pride for all to see as he is named MVP for the tournament. These are moments that you don’t soon forget.
In 2008, Empire State Games Rugby 7s will begin its 10th year. The “Games” has given the young and the old, the opportunity to play and experience Rugby 7s. Because the competition has improved every year, regional teams have invested more of the summer to improve there skills. Summer programs have been developed by regions to improve fitness. Teams are playing in Rugby 7s tournaments all over the east coast to prepare for the “Games”. This has resulted in a much improved overall competition in the Empire State Games.
Rugby 7s is growing in popularity from its humble beginning started in 1998 as an exhibition sport for the NYS Empire State Games. It is a team game where you need physical and mental toughness. However no other sport will you find players socializing after the game and talking about the hard fight with such admiration for each others skills and teamwork. It is a special time for those who participate in the “Games”. You may not understand the importance of your experiences while you are playing in the Empire Games. However as you reflect years later you will cherish the experience. Some may say the most cherish memory is getting a medal around your neck. Others may tell you “I remember the preparation over the summer and the coming together as a team at the Games”.
The memories can be many or few but I believe the memories are an important event in a player’s rugby career. For the selected few the Empire State Games is the building block for playing at the next level. For others is a very special time in their rugby career. For those who would like to experience the Empire State Games Rugby 7s, please go to the web site www.Empirestategames.org. Tryout dates may vary but in April time frame you will begin to have tryout information on the website. The website will provide information about the Empire State Games and all the regional tryout sites, contact personnel and residence qualifications.
Reginald Tift
Chairperson
Empire State Games Rugby 7s
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Posted Until Jan 25, 2008
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