Archive: Sports

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the start of a new pilot program, as part of the Reimagine the Canals initiative that uses water from the Erie Canal to enhance already renowned fishing opportunities in Western New York. Originally announced as part of the Governor's State of the State address in January 2020, the program will encourage New Yorkers and visitors to experience the state's Canal system in a different way, while also expanding tourism and bolstering small businesses in the region.

"This fall, New York is enhancing some of our world-class fisheries and expanding opportunities for anglers into December by creatively using water from the Erie Canal to bolster fishing conditions and to extend the season," Cuomo said. "As a fisherman, I'm pleased to see our incredible Lake Ontario tributaries will be host to even better experiences for anglers. This innovative use of iconic infrastructure continues our strong tradition of ecotourism while supporting our small businesses."

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced Sunday that ski resorts can reopen with 50 percent indoor capacity and with strict health and safety protocols under state-issued guidance starting Friday, November 6.

"Scientists have told us the virus is going to become more aggressive in the fall, and right now, we are all feeling COVID-fatigue, but our micro-cluster strategy is a smart, data-driven and less disruptive strategy to get us through this season. And so far, the data shows the micro-cluster strategy is working to bring infection rates down in our red zone areas," Cuomo said. "Beginning next month, Ski resorts will be allowed to reopen with limited indoor capacity, which will allow New Yorkers to have some outdoor activity this winter without having to quarantine when they come back."

New York residents can fish for free on Saturday, September 26, which is National Hunting and Fishing Day, celebrated each year to promote outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, and target shooting.

"It's no secret that early autumn offers some of the best fishing opportunities on the calendar, and New York is teeming with some of the best lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams in the Northeast just waiting to be explored," Governor Andrew M. Cuomo said. "Fishing is a tradition in my family and in families across New York State, and I encourage everyone from experienced anglers to those who have never fished before to participate in this Free Fishing Day and spend some time together outdoors."

Competitive sports between Lansing and other Section IV IAC schools are on hold.  School Superintendent Chris Pettograsso filled in school board members Monday on an IAC vote to hold off league sports in the interest of maintaining health and wellness.  The IAC Section IV Athletic Association released a statement that says the vote wasn't unanimous, but a clear majority (84%) voted to postpone the Fall season until March 1.

"After much League and Section IV discussions, in the interest of student health & safety and with financial concerns due to New York State aid to Education cuts, Section IV member schools have voted 59 YES; 10 NO; 1 abstention to postpone the Section IV Fall Sport Season to the NYSPHSAA Fall Sports Season II with a start date of March 1, 2021."

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced Monday that lower-risk, school-sponsored sports in all regions may begin to practice and play beginning September 21st. However, travel for practice or play will be prohibited outside of the school's region or contiguous regions or counties until October 19th. For the fall sports season, lower- and moderate-risk sports include tennis, soccer, cross country, field hockey and swimming.

Higher-risk sports, including those with full physical contact, may begin to practice on September 21st but cannot play until a later date or December 31st. In accordance with the Department of Health's guidance for sports and recreation during the COVID-19 public health emergency, practices for higher-risk sports are limited to individual or group, no- to low-contact training. Higher-risk sports include football, wrestling, rugby, hockey and volleyball.

In partnership with the state of New York, the USGA has announced that due to ongoing health and safety concerns from the COVID-19 pandemic, the 120th U.S. Open Championship, scheduled Sept. 14-20 at Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, N.Y., will be conducted without spectators on-site. The USGA will put protocols in place to protect players and staff, including rigorous protocols for testing, cleaning, use of face coverings and social distancing.

"The 2020 U.S. Open will take place at Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck this September. The national championship is a great event. It will be held without fans and the organizers are working with the State Department of Health to ensure everyone's safety," Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced Wednesday. "Today's numbers show continued progress - and our goal now is to protect that progress as states across the nation see their infections rates surge. We cannot go backwards, so remember to wear your mask and stay New York Tough."

This Saturday and Sunday, June 27 and 28, are Free Fishing Days in New York State. During this designated weekend, New York State residents can fish for free without a fishing license. However, all other fishing regulations as designated through the State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) remain in effect.

"As our region and state reopens, this weekend is a great opportunity for many of us who have spent much of our recent time inside, to get out and enjoy some outdoor recreation. There are so many tremendous fishing opportunities throughout our region and especially during Great Outdoors Month, this is the perfect time to take advantage!," New York State Senator Pam Helming said Tuesday.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced Saturday that the Yankees and Mets baseball teams will hold spring training in New York this year. The Yankees will conduct spring training at Yankee Stadium, and the Mets will conduct it at Citi Field. The Mets will host a soft opening this week for players who want to begin preparing. The teams will work with the State of New York to ensure proper health and safety protocols.

"COVID-19 has disrupted so many of the traditions New Yorkers know and love, and our inability to root for our home teams has been acutely felt all throughout this crisis," Governor Cuomo said. "Thanks to New Yorkers' incredible efforts to slow the spread, we've determined it's possible for the Yankees and the Mets to safely conduct spring training in the state this year and are thrilled to begin reopening America's national pastime right here in New York. In a bleak time and in a season that obviously had significant hurdles to deal with, to have a spring training camp in New York is the first bit of really good news when it comes to baseball that we've had in a long time."

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced Tuesday the US Open will be held in Queens without fans from August 31st to September 13th. The USTA will take extraordinary precautions to protect players and staff, including robust testing, additional cleaning, extra locker room space and dedicated housing and transportation.

Tennis star Serena Williams said, "I really cannot wait to return to New York and play the US Open 2020. I feel like USTA is going to do a really good job of insuring that everything is amazing, and everything is perfect and everyone is safe."

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced Sunday that New York professional sports leagues will be able to begin training camps in state while following appropriate health protocols. Cuomo said the state would be working with sports teams to resume playing without audiences starting Monday.

"I have been encouraging major sports teams to plan reopenings without fans," Cuomo said. "The games could be televised. New York State will help those major sports franchises to do just that. Hockey, basketball, baseball, football -- whoever can reopen, we're a ready, willing, and able partner.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced Saturday that horse racing tracks across the state and Watkins Glen International Racetrack will be allowed to open without fans as of June 1st. He said the state would issue guidance on how they can open safely reopen this week.

There are four Thoroughbred tracks and seven Standardbred (harness) horse racing tracks in the state, including Saratoga Race Course, Belmont Park Racetrack, Vernon Downs Casino & Racing, Monticello Raceway, Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack, Batavia Downs Gaming, and Buffalo Raceway, among others.  Both kinds of track feature pari-mutuel and off-track wagering.

New York State Senator Pam Helming joined local leaders Monday to call for the reopening of area sportsmen's clubs. Recently, Governor Cuomo authorized the reopening of marinas and golf courses. However, other recreational opportunities that can be done with social distancing, such as clubs that offer target, skeet, trap and sporting clays shooting have not been reopened. Many of the opportunities these clubs provide can be done with even greater social distancing than golf or boating.

"This is a common sense issue. Everyone, including our local sportsmen's clubs are putting public health first. Many of the activities these clubs offer, including target shooting and sporting clays courses allow for even greater social distancing than launching a boat from a marina or playing a round of golf. Area clubs are committed to protecting public health and allowing them to partially reopen would provide an important opportunity for parents and grandparents home with children to pass the traditions of the shooting sports and teach the next generation safe firearms handling practices. This is an important issue that our local elected officials are engaged with and I am proud to stand side by side with them in supporting our sportsmen and women," said Senator Pam Helming.