Skydiver Dana Bowman will be the keynote speaker at the opening ceremonies of the Empire State Games for the Physically Challenged on Long Island.

More than 1,400 young athletes are expected to participate at this year's event, scheduled for Thursday, May 28, to Sunday, May 31. The opening ceremonies will take place at 7 p.m., Thursday, May 28, at the Mitchel Athletic Complex in Uniondale.

While serving as a sergeant in the Army, as a special forces soldier and member of the elite Golden Knights Parachute Team, Bowman lost his legs in a 1994 skydiving accident. Since that time, he has made more than 100 skydiving jumps.

"We have worked to make this year's Physically Challenged Games our best ever and we are so pleased to have Dana as our keynote speaker," said State Parks Commissioner Bernadette Castro. "His determination and accomplishments will serve as an inspiration to all of our participants."

Castro said Bowman will skydive onto the field during the opening ceremonies.

The Empire New York State Games for the Physically Challenged are administered by State Parks and are free to both athletes and spectators. Some of the sports the athletes will compete in include track, field, swimming, table tennis and wheelchair basketball. Participants range in age from five to 21.

For information, call 669-1000, ext. 295.