2002 BAY STATE WINTER GAMES HEAD BACK TO BERKSHIRES FOR 17th YEAR Bay State Skate, Bay State Games return to the West; Games scheduled to Open Jan. 18

WOBURN, MA: The Massachusetts Amateur Sports Foundation (M.A.S.F.), the organizing arm of the Bay State Games has announced that the 2002 Bay State Winter Games will return to the Berkshires, January 18-20, 2002 and February 1-3, 2002.

The Commonwealth's most promising figure skaters will take to the ice during the weekend of January 18-20, 2002 at the Williams College Rink in Williamstown, Mass. The opening weekend of the 2002 Games features the annual Bay State Skate to be held on Saturday, Jan. 19 at 7:30 p.m. at the Williams College rink. The Skate will recognize New England and Eastern regional medallists highlighted by the performance of national and international competitors.

In February, skiers, snowboarders and master's ice hockey participants will travel to the Western portion of the state to compete for medals. Master's ice hockey kicks off weekend two at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Rink in North Adams, Mass on Friday, February 1, 2002 and will run through Sunday, while snowboarders will take to the half-pipe of Brodie Mountain in New Ashford, Mass. on Saturday, Feb. 2. The Games will conclude on Sunday, Feb. 3 as the alpine skiers take to the slopes of Jiminy Peak in Hancock, Mass., and cross-country skiers blaze the trails of the Cranwell Resort in Lenox, Mass.

For up-to-date coverage and official Bay State Games results log onto http://www.thetranscript.com.

The M.A.S.F. is a nonprofit organization that works year round to promote personal development, physical fitness, teamwork, good sportsmanship and education through athletic competition. For many, the Bay State Games are a highlight of a young athlete's career and for a few the Games are just one stop along their path of athletic success.