Third time’s a charm

Fred Smith, director of the Empire State Games, summed up the 2008 event when he said he “couldn’t be more pleased. ... The third time was indeed charming.” This year’s games were the third in a decade for Greater Binghamton, and the University has been the main host each time.

“We can’t thank everyone enough for the cooperation we had from Binghamton University, the Local Organizing Committee and the volunteers,” Smith said.

Without the University’s facilities, staff and volunteers, the games wouldn’t have been possible, said Tim Schum, who has served as campus coordinator each time the games have come to Binghamton. By housing and feeding about 6,000 athletes, providing evening activities for them, hosting many of the competitions on campus and providing for spectators, Binghamton University shines.

“It’s a great event for the campus and the community,” Schum said. “And it wouldn’t happen without the hard work and dedication of the campus and community to make it work.”