“Sports for Everyone, Sports for Life”!

Adirondack District Championships 2015

     “Regardless of political persuasions, the economic environment, or the latest weather conditions; Sports Unite Us!   Whether you are a Fan or an Athlete, the passion for sports is Contagious and Inspiring… With an emphasis on programs to reach Youth, Master’s (Senior Citizens), and the Physically Challenged, the Empire State Sports Council is prepared to meet the needs of all Athletes of any age, gender, or skill level.  Besides providing an excellent value to each of these folks, the Empire State Sports Council is determined to create an unparalleled sporting experience that fosters good sportsmanship, honest competition, and healthy habits for each participant…”! This is just an excerpt taken from the ES Sports Mission Statement, and was realized at the Adirondack District Championships!

     One of the objectives of the Empire State Sports Council, and the Liberty Tour Track & Field Series, in particular, is to provide opportunities where competition can be a Family Affair.  There was NO shortage of Families taking part in the 10th Annual Adirondack District Championships, which is a Qualifying event for the Youth and Scholastic Track & Field Divisions, but also provided the atmosphere for Athletes of ALL ages to come together to compete, many of which were Parents. “There are other events in sport (especially Track & Field) where there is an effort to DIVIDE the Youth and Scholastic Divisions from the Open and Masters Divisions”,  said Lisa Mills, who is the Event Coordinator for ES Sports.  She maintains, “There is so much for the Youth and Scholastic Athletes to gain from having the opportunity to watch some of the more experienced Athletes compete, and NOT have to do so from the stands, but to be right in the mix with them. In addition, make NO mistake, the Open and Master’s Athletes VERY much appreciate having an audience for which to perform!”

     The host for the Adirondack District Championships was Taconic Hills High School, and this year a NEW Track & Field club was launched from that area known as In A NY Minute.  Their Coach, Neil Howard Jr., also the Superintendent of the School District, provided a clear example of how sports can be a Family Affair, as both he, and his wife, Cybil, competed alongside their three (3) children, Grace, Clare, and Neil III (Pictured Above).  Moreover, even some of the extended Family members competed, and that seemed to add a new dimension.

     Although Country Mills Eagles took 1st Place at this meet scoring 363 points, In A NY Minute scored enough points (341.25) to leap frog the NY Nova Starz to move back into 3rd Place in the Liberty Tour Team Standings.  For the second straight meet, Chatham Gold took 2nd Place in the meet, but continues to hold onto 1st Place in the overall Liberty Tour Team Standings with 986.75 points.  The NY Nova Starz fell to 4th Place (495 points), and are looking at the Averill Park Road Runners on their Track & Field heels, as they have moved into 5th Place, quietly accumulating 420.5 points, leaving the Glencadia Bullets just slightly behind with 387.75 points. “The Independence Invitational will prove to be a critical event in the scoring”, the Executive Director of the Empire State Sports Council, Anthony Mills surmises.  He continues, “But the final jockeying for position will be determined by the Liberty Games Track & Field event, as that is weighted at DOUBLE Points! It is exciting to see the race so close, this deep into the Track & Field season.”

     Liberty Sports Gear has partnered with the Empire State Sports Council (ES Sports) and is offering more than $1,000 in Gift Certificates, that can be used by the winning clubs for Equipment, Footwear, Team Uniforms, and more!  The Liberty Tour Track & Field Series is comprised of six (6) events, and the Independence Invitational is next up on Friday, July 3rd, with a 4:00 pm start time.  Be sure your Track & Field club makes it to both remaining Liberty Tour events so that your Team is in the best position to earn one (1) of four (4) Team Prizes.  The top Prize is worth $500 of Liberty Sports Gear!

Below, we captured some of the Families that took part in the Adirondack District Championships.  We hope you enjoy them as much as we enjoyed being a part of the FUN and EXCITMENT on what was a beautiful day for Track & Field!  Just scroll down further to view the Thumbnails.  Click the Thumbnail to view the entire photo with the caption.

For all of the Results from the 2015 Adirondack District Championships, just click “Results” from the navigation bar for the Liberty Tour.  We look forward to seeing everyone at the Independence Invitational at CBA (Christian Brothers Academy), for which many have already registered, on Friday, July 3rd!