VICTOR, N.Y. (WROC) – The torch has officially passed through Victor! As folks gear up for the 45th annual Empire State Winter Games, a special event was held at DICK'S House of Sport in Victor Saturday afternoon to celebrate the passing of the games' torch through Victor. The torch is seen being skated through the DICKS House of Sport ice rink in Victor Saturday afternoon. (WROC/Melanie Sosa.) The torch is making its way across New York State for the games, which will be held in Lake Placid at the end of the month. "The Empire State Winter Games torch is making a more than 700-mile journey back to Lake Placid. We started a torch relay in Buffalo, and the torch is going to arrive on January 30th in time for the opening ceremony," said Jon Lundin, director of communications for the Empire State Winter Games. Saturday's event was complete with giveaways, refreshments, and an open skate for the community to take part in. The torch skated in during a special ceremony to kick things off, something Lundin called a truly special moment. "A lot of people believe that a torch is just something that lights the cauldron and starts games, but it's really much more than that," Lundin said. "It embodies the spirit and the dedication and the courage that these young athletes have to compete and it's our chance to celebrate and give back to the community and really build excitement." The games begin Jan. 30 and run through Feb. 2. More than 2,500 athletes across the Northeast, including New York and Canada, will compete in 24 different sports. "We love bringing athletes together. Really, athletes of all ages together. For some, this is their first step to maybe something a little bit bigger, a little bit greater. 34 athletes who have competed in the Empire State Winter Games have gone on to compete in the Olympics. Several have gone on to win Olympic medals and for some this is kind of the pinnacle of their athletic achievement, but they come away with memories that are going to last forever, friendships as well, and just the spirit of competition no matter what sport they take part in," Lundin said. Select DICK’S locations to open early, sell AFC Champions gear with Bills win DICKS, one of the event sponsors, also provided athletes with discounted clothing and apparel during Saturday's event. 16 Rochester-area athletes expected to compete in the games were also honorary guests. You can learn more about the games here.