From soccer to baseball, the Empire State Games got underway throughout Westchester for the first time ever Thursday. Thousands of amateur athletes, who marched into the Kensico Dam Plaza for the opening ceremony Wednesday night, are now in action around the county. The games kicked off when the Hudson Valley girl?s soccer team took on New York City at Manhattanville College. Hudson Valley won the series opener 2 to 1. Also at Manhattanville College, the Hudson Valley boy?s baseball team took on Long Island. Long Island, who defeated Hudson Valley in last year?s championship game, won the opener 5 to 1. Meanwhile, the cycling competition is causing traffic concerns for drivers in Somers and Yorktown. Click here for more on traffic patterns. Walt Fowler's coverage of the Empire State Games

For an extended footage of the Empire State Games and athlete interviews, go to channel 612 on your iO digital cable box and select iO extra.

Related information:NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation: Empire State GamesWestchester County Government: Empire State Games PreviewEmpire State Games in WestchesterEmpire State GamesEmpire State Games - Summer Games