Photos: Firing up the state's winter games
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
During the festivities of the Empire State Winter Games, a torchbearer, with the flame reflecting in her eyes, passes the torch that finally ended with Saranac High School senior Gina Fiorile, a figure skater, lighting the cauldron to symbolize the start of the Games on Feb. 6.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
A graceful start to the Games on Thursday evening was provided in part by Guilderland residents Amanda Vititow, left, and Maya Lopez, center, as they skate with their Houstonettes Synchronized team during the Opening Ceremonies at the Herb Brooks arena in Lake Placid. Vititow, who has skated for four years; Lopez, who has skated for five; and teammate Alex Dilillo, who has skated for 13 years, and is also a Guilderland resident, said it was fun and exciting to be part of the opening ceremonies and they were proud to represent figure skating.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
New York State Senator Elizabeth Little, told the crowd at the opening ceremony, “We will try and bring back the Olympics to Lake Placid.” The Adirondack village hosted the Olympics in 1932 and again in 1980.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
Biathlon: Altamont resident Darwin Roosa carries the pylon for his sport on Thursday evening. He won a Silver medal in Saturday’s biathlon sprint in the Grandmaster division with a time of 40 minutes and 11 seconds.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
Local Olympic hero from Keene, alpine downhill skier Tommy Biesemeyer, signs autographs for young fans. He gave the keynote address at the Empire State Winter Games, telling the athletes, “These events this weekend are more important than what’s going on in Sochi because this is the true meaning of sport.”