Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand urged the International Delphic Council to consider Central New York as host for the 2015 Junior Delphic Games. The games would bring art and cultural competition from a diverse global background to the area and would provide a boost in tourism to the region.
This month, both Senators personally wrote to the International Delphic Council, urging them to consider Central New York and its rich tradition of education, culture and the arts as host for such a prestigious display.
“Central New York is the right choice for the Junior Delphic Games,” said Senator Schumer. “By hosting these games in Central New York we will showcase our academic institutions as well as terrific young artists, musicians, and performers from our state’s many diverse cultures while increasing regional tourism and boosting the local economy.”
“Central New York is home to a wide variety of academic institutions as well as a rich tradition of arts and cultural opportunities which would make a perfect host for the Junior Delphic Games,” Senator Gillibrand said. “The Games would provide a boost to the local economy and bring visitors from all around the world to Central New York for an exchange of culture and celebration of diversity.”
“The Syracuse industry is thrilled to have the opportunity to host the 2015 Junior Delphic Games and showcase our destination’s cultural experiences to the world. Our museums, restaurants, retailers, hotels, and venues will benefit greatly from the awareness and goodwill delivered by the participants and spectators attending the games,” said David Holder, President of the Syracuse Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Michele Tarnow, Chief Marketing Officer, International Delphic Foundation, Americas’ Regional Delphic Council, said, “It was my great pleasure to present the bid to the Amphictony (Executive Directors) and newest members Zolani Mkiva, poet laureate to Nelson Mandela and Fotis Papathanasiou the former deputy Major of Athens who presented the bid for the 2000 Olympics. I am grateful for the support of the IDC and am committed to making the 2015 and 2017 Games the best in the world. I am grateful for the support of Senator Schumer, Senator Gillibrand and Governor Cuomo for recognizing the opportunity for New York to take the US and lead the world in assuring long term sustainability of the Delphic Games. None of this would not have been possible without the work and dedication of David Holder and his team at the Syracuse Convention and Visitor Bureau. We are blessed with the tremendous community we have in CNY. There is no place better to be.”
Re-established in 1994 from Ancient Greek tradition, the International Delphic Council founded the modern Junior Delphic Games in order to bring focus and attention to cultural development, pride and understanding in the global community. Taking place in a new location, once every four years, the Junior Delphic Games consists of competition for participants ages 15-25 years old in the acoustic arts, performing arts, lingual arts, visual arts, social arts and ecological arts to be performed or presented to a live panel of judges to determine awards and distinctions. The current proposal would partner with local academic institutions and a variety of venues across Central New York to host the games. The proposal is currently under consideration.
Full text of Senator Schumer and Senator Gillibrand’s letter is below:
International Delphic Council
Berliner Str. 19A, 13189
Berlin, Germany
Dear International Delphic Council,
We write to offer our support in hosting the 2015 Junior Delphic Games in Central New York. This event will recognize fine arts and rich cultural unification in a region that values both.
Central New York is often characterized by its history of cultural diversity and by its artistic communities. This is evident in several professional and community theaters, visual and multi-media art exhibits, and a wide range of colleges and universities which provide art, music, and cultural venues and events. Here in Central New York, we are also fortunate to have many talented and passionate artists who contribute to the wonderfully rich creativity we have in this region.
The population of Central New York is comprised of a collaborative mix of cultures and languages, contributing to the economic success and social quality of the region. Central New Yorkers, like many in your organization, seek to expand an appreciation for art and culture in a fun and unifying way.
We ask you to please consider Central New York as the next location for the Junior Delphic Games as it would be an ideal location. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact our offices.
Sincerely,
Kirsten E. Gillibrand Charles Schumer
U.S. Senator U.S. Senator