Second-Largest Global Winter Sporting Event Continues Through January 22; Tickets Are Available Here
Follows More Than $550 Million in State Investment to Renovate Sports Facilities, Improve Roads and Bridges, Upgrade Sports Infrastructure in Preparation for the Games
Games Will Include Several Measures to Promote Climate Action in Line with Governor's Sustainability Agenda
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the official start of the Lake Placid 2023 FISU World University Games, welcoming 1,443 collegiate-athletes from more than 540 universities and 46 nations gathered to celebrate the biennial multi-winter sports event. The Lake Placid 2023 FISU Games will feature competition in 12 winter sports and 85 events in venues throughout the Adirondack North Country in Lake Placid as well as Wilmington, Saranac Lake, Potsdam, Canton and North Creek. The competition schedule and tickets to the events are available here.
"With New York's North Country known as a global winter sports destination, I can't think of a better place than Lake Placid to host the 2023 FISU World University Games," Governor Hochul said. "After more than $550 million in state-supported renovations and investments in the North Country to prepare for the games, New York is ready to welcome athletes and spectators from all over the world to our state. I wish the best of luck to the athletes competing, and I thank FISU, the organizing committee and partners at every level of government for ensuring that this event is a resounding success. Let the Games begin."
Thursday night's Opening Ceremony for the Lake Placid 2023 FISU Games was held at the iconic 1980 Herb Brooks Arena, site of the "Miracle on Ice" hockey game between the United States and the Soviet Union in the 1980 Winter Olympics. The ceremony included greetings from the Oneida Indian Nation and Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, elegant on-ice performances, athletes' and officials' oaths, and the lighting of a one-of-a-kind flameless cauldron.
New York State has made significant investments in the North Country totaling more than $550 million over the last six years in preparation for the World University Games and ongoing regional tourism. Investments have helped to renovate facilities owned and operated by the Olympic Regional Development Authority, such as the $104 million renovation of the Lake Placid Olympic Center, and other host facilities like the nearly $7 million overhaul of the Saranac Lake Civic Center. These investments are a testament to New York's commitment to the Games, the region, and the competitive sports infrastructure.