For Release: December 1, 1999

Lt. Governor Mary Donohue and Goodwill Games Spokesperson Gordy Sheer Team to Launch "Winter Achiever"

Goodwill Games, ORDA, Empire State Games and New York Lottery Create Program for Empire State Schoolchildren

For more information and to download an application form, please check back again on Friday, December 3, 1999.

Lt. Governor Mary Donohue and Gordy Sheer, Olympic luge silver medalist and Winter Goodwill Games spokesperson, today launched the "Winter Achievers" program for New York schoolchildren in conjunction with the Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA), the Empire State Games and the New York Lottery. The statewide youth initiative is designed to recognize and reward outstanding young citizen-athletes at the first-ever Winter Goodwill Games, being staged in Lake Placid, New York, from February 17-20, 2000, with an opening celebration on the 16th.

"These two prestigious athletic events provide us with an excellent opportunity to recognize the achievements of the hard-working, dedicated young sports participants in New York State," said Lt. Governor Donohue. "Under the bright lights of the first major multi-sport competition of the new century, the inaugural Winter Goodwill Games, we will celebrate the commendable efforts of our 'Winter Achievers';"

Joining Lt. Governor Donohue and Sheer at the announcement were Margaret DeFrancisco, director, New York Lottery; Ted Blazer, president and CEO, ORDA; and Rick McNerney, Vice President/Marketing, Goodwill Games.

"Winter Achievers" is designed to showcase New York sixth, seventh and eighth graders' personal experiences and achievements as participants in sports through a state-wide essay contest. Prizes will be awarded to 10 students and their schools from across the Empire State, as selected by a five-member committee. From team managers and stars to team captains and supporters, all are encouraged to explain how sports has played a positive role in their life. "Winter Achievers" application forms were mailed to principals throughout New York today. Applications may also be obtained on the internet at www.goodwillgames.com and www.empirestategames.com. The application deadline in January 12, 2000, with winners announced beginning January 17, 2000.

"It's great to see these organizations come together to recognize young athletes in New York," said Sheer. "The 'Winter Achievers' program is rewarding kids who participate in sports, which makes me proud since sports have been a big part of my life."

Each winning student's school will receive a computer technology package, and all 10 "Winter Achievers" will be awarded a laptop computer and printer, a trip to the Winter Goodwill Games, including involvement in the Games opening celebration on February 16, as well as a commemorative "Winter Achievers" sweat suit.

"The 'Winter Achievers' program is a natural extension of the Goodwill Games mission, which recognizes that sports play a valuable role in personal character development and in the community," said Goodwill Games President Mike Plant. "We're proud to give New York schoolchildren the opportunity to be recognized for their participation in sports and include them in the Winter Goodwill Games festivities."

"Our support of the Empire State Games, and our partnership with the Goodwill Games in the 'Winter Achievers' program, emphasizes the New York Lottery's mission to support education," said New York Lottery Director Margaret DeFrancisco. "We are proud to recognize New York's young sports participants and we applaud their efforts to be the very best they can be, both in and out of the classroom."

"The Winter Goodwill Games will broadcast to audiences worldwide the beauty of the Lake Placid region, helping to generate increased activity for the local tourism industry," said ORDA and Empire State Development Chairman Charles A. Gargano. "These Games reinforce the ideals of determination, hard-work, and dedication to a goal. The 'Winter Achievers' program reflects these same admirable qualities and it is fitting that our State's young scholar-athletes share the spotlight during the Games' festivities."

The Empire State Winter Games is a program of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) and is sponsored by the New York Lottery and in cooperation ORDA. Established in 1978 by Governor Hugh Carey, the Empire State Games, currently encompassing summer, winter, senior and physically challenged events, continue to be the benchmark by which 46 other states have patterned their games.

"We at State Parks are proud to uphold the rich sports tradition of Lake Placid by administering the Empire State Games," said State Parks Commissioner Bernadette Castro. "We thank Governor Pataki for his unwavering support of the Games that inspire our next generation to dream big."

Tickets for the 2000 Winter Goodwill Games range in price from $5 to $46. Approximately 150,000 tickets will be available for sale for the five-day period. Tickets can be purchased by visiting or calling the Olympic Center Box Office, at (518) 523-3330, through Ticketmaster®, at (518) 476-1000 or (802) 862-5300, and via the Internet, at www.goodwillgames.com or www.tickets.com. Tickets are also available through all usual ORDA ticket outlets.

The Goodwill Games and their partners at the Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) are organizing the Games. ORDA was established in 1981 under legislation enacted by the State of New York to operate, maintain and promote the 1980 Winter Olympic facilities in the Lake Placid region.

The Goodwill Games, founded by Time Warner Vice Chairman R.E. Turner in 1986 as a platform to promote international goodwill through world-class competition, have grown to become the premier international, invitational, multi-sport event where athletes come together to put their greatness to the test. The Games are committed to enriching humanity through sport, with a special focus on helping children. The four previous Goodwill Games have alternated between the United States and Russia; however, future Games will be staged in countries around the world in both winter and summer formats. In addition to the Winter Goodwill Games, plans are underway for the 2001 Goodwill Games in Brisbane, Australia. TNT is the host network for both events. Goodwill Games, Inc., is a division of Turner Sports, the sports programming and production business unit of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.

CONTACTS:

Sandi Karcher	Goodwill Games	404-827-4349
Sandi Caligiore	ORDA	518-523-1655x213
Rob Hayes	New York Lottery	518-388-3402
John Barr	Empire State Games	518-388-3572
Scott Miranda	Dan Klores Associates	212-685-4300