Wednesday, February 04, 2026
Latham NY (February 4, 2026) — The 2026 Empire State Winter Games (ESWG) Torch Relay made a special stop today at the Latham office of Highmark Blue Shield, marking a significant moment in its week-long tour across New York State to Lake Placid.
As a proud sponsor of the 45th annual ESWG, Highmark Blue Shield hosted a special ceremony that showcased the incredible strength of community collaboration.
The event brought together athletes, organizers, community members, elected officials and employees, alongside representatives from an array of vital local partners, including the Adirondack Sports Council, Albany Business Review, Albany Med Foundation, Boght Fire Dept., Capital Region Chamber, Colonie Chamber, Colonie Police Dept., Connect Center for Youth, Discover Albany, Girls on the Run, Hudson Valley Community College, Regional Food Bank, Schenectady City Mission, Siena University, Special Olympics New York, Tri-City ValleyCats, United Way of the GCR, and the Warren & Denyse Mackey Foundation.
"We're incredibly proud to partner with the Empire State Winter Games again this year, both as presenting sponsor and by hosting the Torch Relay at our offices in Latham," said Kevin Quaranto, Region Leader, Highmark Blue Shield. "It's especially gratifying to be able to bring so many of our valued community partners together for this special event. Our community is privileged to welcome the remarkable athleticism and inspiring spirit of these games, and the enthusiastic participation of all these local organizations today truly underscores our collective commitment to fostering a healthy, vibrant, and connected Capital Region."
The ESWG, the largest multi-sport amateur winter athletic event in North America, anticipates welcoming approximately 2,500 athletes to compete in over 20 events across Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, Tupper Lake, Paul Smiths, and the surrounding region.
The torch relay is expected to involve up to 30 communities, schools, sports clubs, mascots, arenas and other venues as the ESGW flame winds its way throughout New York State. Upon the torch’s arrival in Lake Placid Thursday, February 5, the Opening Ceremony will take place, and competition begins the next day.
For more information on the games visit: empirestatewintergames.com
About Highmark Blue Shield of Northeastern New York
Highmark Blue Shield of Northeastern New York is a trade name of Highmark Western and Northeastern New York Inc., an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Since 1946, Highmark Blue Shield of Northeastern New York has helped millions of people lead healthier lives. Blue Shield offers a full range of insured, self-insured, and government programs and services covering businesses, families, and individuals, as well as dental and vision plans and stop-loss coverage. As a community-based, not-for-profit health plan, Highmark Blue Shield contributes significantly to organizations that strengthen and enrich the health of the community.
For more information, contact:
Amber Hartmann
716-208-9534
Amber.Hartmann@highmarkhealth.org
