NY Winter Games Adds Broom Ball, Barrel Jumping And More

MALONE, N.Y. (AP) — The Empire State Winter Games are expanding.

Organizers announced Wednesday that a marathon skate, youth ski race, broom ball and barrel jumping will be added in 2017.

The marathon skate will be staged on Mirror Lake in Lake Placid, winter bike events will be at Whiteface Mountain in Wilmington, and ski racing will add events for the 12- and 10-and-under age groups at Mount Pisgah. The broom ball will be played at Malone Civic Center.

Cash prizes also will increase by one third. Athletes participating in marathon skate, ski and snowboard freestyle, winter bike, and broom ball will compete for $16,000 in prize money.

The 37th Empire State Winter Games will be staged Feb. 2-5 in and around Lake Placid. As many as 2,300 participants are expected.

[STORY BY: THE ASSOCIATED PRESS]