I LOVE NEW YORK Partners with the Chris Thater Memorial

BINGHAMTON, NY - The 22nd year of the Chris Thater Memorial Races are scheduled for August 27-28, 2005. The event has grown tremendously over the years and continues to be a wonderful tribute to Chris' legacy.

Each year the Chris Thater attracts more than 1,500 athletes and more than 15,000 spectators. From its beginnings as a small bike race 22 years ago, the Chris Thater has grown into a world class cycling competition and 5K run. Despite its tremendous growth and popularity, the core mission has remained the same. The Chris Thater aims to promote healthy, positive activities as well as family and youth oriented fun, while reinforcing the important message that drinking and driving are a deadly combination.

New York State's I LOVE NEW YORK campaign will be a presenting sponsor for the event. The partnership is a tremendous opportunity to further promote the 22 year mission of the Chris Thater Memorial while at the same time highlighting a major summer event in the Southern Tier region of New York State.

"We are so pleased that one of our premier events in Broome County is getting such support and recognition," said Barbara Fiala, Broome County Executive. "We are extremely thankful to Empire State Development for its support in this process."

"This is such a huge boost to our event," said Jim May, STOP-DWI Coordinator. "While this race has grown so much over the years and it has gained quite a reputation on its own, this association with I LOVE NEW YORK, is really going to put us on the map."

"Under Governor George E. Pataki's leadership, we have showcased tourism attractions and activities throughout the state," said Charles A. Gargano, Chairman of Empire State Development, which administers the I LOVE NEW YORK program. "We are proud to sponsor an event of this caliber, which has grown over the years from a local race to a premier cycling and running competition that attracts athletes from around the world to Binghamton."

I LOVE NEW YORK is a campaign administered by Empire State Development, Charles A. Gargano, Chairman, through the New York State Division of Tourism. First launched in 1977, I LOVE NEW YORK remains one of the most successful international tourism campaigns ever created and continues to promote the beauty and attractions of New York State's eleven geographic regions: Adirondacks, Capital - Saratoga, Catskills, Central Leatherstocking, Chautauqua-Allegheny, Finger Lakes, Greater Niagara, Hudson Valley, Long Island, New York City and Thousand Islands Seaway.

With 168 state parks, 35 state historic sites, major metropolitan centers and quaint small towns, New York State offers exciting year-round travel possibilities for visitors of all ages. To learn more, or for details on upcoming events and lodging, dial (800) CALL-NYS or visit the I LOVE NEW YORK Web site at www.iloveny.com.

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