Observer-Dispatch

Philadelphia Flyers goalie Robert Esche will be contributing his time to a state program to fight childhood obesity, Gov. George Pataki announced Wednesday in his State of the State Address.

Esche, who grew up in Whitesboro and lives in Westmoreland, attended the address and stood to be recognized after the governor spoke about the Active-8 Kids program, which will encourage children to be active, healthy and physically fit.

Olympic gold medal swimmer Janet Evans also will participate.

"Two very special people have agreed to support this effort, people who know a great deal about the value of exercise, nutrition and achieving goals," Pataki said of Esche and Evans.

"It's an honor to help," Esche said shortly after the governor's address. "I really like working with children."

Esche has already demonstrated his caring for children with the creation of his Save the Day Foundation, which helps Mohawk Valley children with life threatening illnesses.

He said studies have shown that if children have developed a healthy, active lifestyle by the age of eight, they are more likely to be fit later in life. Keeping fit and trim helps prevent numerous health problems.

The link-up between Esche and the state was made by Oneida County Executive Joseph A. Griffo, both the hockey player and a Pataki's office said.

"Our office was speaking with Joe Griffo on a number of matters, and the new initiative was brought up," said Pataki spokesman Andrew Rush. "The county executive recommended Rob. He is a great athlete, a native New Yorker, and we're proud he's going to help us out with the program."

Griffo could not be reached for comment.

Contact Elizabeth Cooper at ecooper@utica.gannett.com