WHEREAS, increased opportunities for participation in all forms of sports activities is desirable for the well-being of residents of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, cooperation of all levels of government and the private sector is required to insure that the XIII Olympic Winter Games to be held in New York in 1980 will take place under the most favorable atmosphere and with the widest public participation; and

WHEREAS, there is a need to provide means for the development of a sound and productive program of recreational athletic opportunities and professional athletic activities in the State of New York;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Hugh L. Carey, Governor of the State of New York, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the State, do hereby create the New York State Commission on Sports and Winter Olympics.

I. Powers and Duties.

The Commission shall:

In fulfilling its responsibilities under this order and subject to the limitations thereunder, the Commission is authorized to apply for, contract for and to accept any gifts, grants or loans of funds, property or other aid in any form from the federal government or any agency or instrumentality thereof, or from the State or any agency or instrumentality thereof, or from any other source, public or private, and to comply with the terms and conditions thereof, with the approval of the Division of the Budget.

II. Composition and Compensation.

The Governor shall appoint to the Commission five persons who are not holders of public office, elective or appointive, and no more than three of whom belong to the same political party. The Governor shall designate one of such persons as Chairman of the Commission and may designate members of the Commission as vice charimen. The temporary President of the Sentate, the Speaker of the Assembly, the Minority Leader of the Senate and the Minority Leader of the Assembly shall each appoint one member to the Commission.

In addition, the Commission shall include the Secretary of State, the Commissioners of the Department of Environmental Conservation, the Department of Transportation and the Department of Parks and Recreation. The Secretary of State shall coordinate the activities of the State departments in relation to the functions, powers and duties of the Commission. The members of the Commission who are not holders of a public office shall receive compensation in an amount to be fixed by the Governor within the amount of any appropriation therefor. The other members shall receive no compensation. All members of the Commission shall be entitled to reimbursement for any necessary expenses incurred in connection with the performance of their duties.

III. Personnel.

The Commission may employ such staff and assistants as it may deem necessary at a compensation to be fixed by the chairman within the amount of the appropriation therefor and subject to the approval of the Division of the Budget.