The Empire State Games kicked off Wednesday evening with opening ceremonies at the University at Buffalo Stadium.

The games returned after a year hiatus. Organizers cancelled the games in the Hudson Valley last year because of the state's financial troubles.

About 6,000 athletes are expected to compete in various sports Thursday through Sunday.

Next year's Empire State Games are being held in the Rochester area.

Time Warner Cable, the parent company of YNN, is a Gold Medal Sponsor of the 2010 Empire State Games.

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