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What is the Big Sky State Games?
The Big Sky State Games is an annual multi-sport event, modeled after the Olympic Games, designed and held solely for the residents of Montana. Residents in bordering states that do not have a State Games are invited to participate (Idaho, South Dakota, and Wyoming)  The State Games concept was developed in New York in 1978 with the Empire State Games, and today 35 states currently conduct State Games. Since the inaugural Big Sky State Games in 1986, and during the past twenty-three years over 224,000 athletes from more than 250 Montana communities have participated in the Games. In 2009, the Big Sky State Games celebrated its 24th year with over 10,000 athletes participating in 37 sports with the help of 2,500 volunteers.

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What is the purpose of the Big Sky State Games
and who participates?
The Big Sky State Games provides a wholesome forum for Montana athletes of all ages and skill levels to compete in amateur athletics.  Participants come from all areas of the state to develop physical talents, competitive abilities and to join in the serious fun of the Big Sky State Games. The Games also plays a prominent role in health education through Big Sky Fit Kids and Shape Up Montana, drug awareness programs, scholarship activities, official and coaching clinics. Big Sky State Games is Montana's sports melting pot, nurturing a unique sense of state pride.

Eligibility Requirements: A participant must work in, or be a resident of the state of Montana, Idaho, South Dakota, or Wyoming or at least 30 days prior to the dates of the competition they wish to enter. College students and military personnel living in the state for at least 30 days may participate. MT, ID, SD & WY residents attending college or serving in the military in another state are also eligible to compete.

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Which sports are represented?
The State Games offer the opportunity to compete in Olympic and Pan American sports and a few local favorites. In 2010, the State Games will hold competitions in: Archery, Armwrestling, Badminton, Basketball, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Billiards, Bowling, Cycling, Dance Sports Stage Events, Dance Sports Ballroom, Disc Golf, Electronic Darts, Equestrian Jumping Dressage, Horseshow, Fencing, Figure Skating, Fitness Walk, Golf, Handball, Ice Hockey 3 on 3, Karate, Pickle Ball Racquetball, Road Race, Shooting, Soccer, Softball, Summer Biathlon, Swimming, Table Tennis, TaeKwonDo/Judo, Tennis, Track & Field, Triathlon, Volleyball, Weightlifting (Power) and Wrestling.

Registration: Athletes may compete in any number of sports. Conflicts in scheduling are the responsibility of the athlete.

Refunds: No refunds are issued.

Inclement Weather: Sports using outdoor sites are weather dependent. Competitions will be conducted unless the commissioners and Big Sky State Games staff determine the weather conditions to be potentially dangerous or life-threatening.
There are no rain dates; no refunds will be given. Softball players refer to Softball sport information.

Athlete Entry Assistance Program: This program is designed to pay the entry fees for athletes who may not have the opportunity to compete because of the lack of financial resources. This program is possible through athlete, corporate and civic club donations.

Insurance: It is expressly understood that the Big Sky State Games does not insure against, and accepts no responsibility for, personal injury, property loss or damage to the participants as a result of his or her participation. Each participant is responsible for his or her won medical insurance and must sing the release of liability waiver on the back of the entry form.

Conduct: Athlete and coaches are responsible for knowing, understanding and following the rules, policies, and code of conduct of their sport. Games organizers reserve the right to disqualify any participant from competition in the Big Sky State Games, for the following reasons:
False representation, Improper use of alcohol and/or drugs, Destruction of property, Unsportsmanlike or disorderly behavior, or Rules infraction.

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What awards are given at the Big Sky State Games?
The top three finishers in each division at Regionals for Volleyball receive ribbons. Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals are awarded to the top three finishers in each division of all sports at the Finals.

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When & Where will the 2010 Big Sky State Games be held?
Finals are July 16, 17, and 18 in Billings.  Volleyball Regionals for Girls Grades 9th-12th will be held in June in Billings, Bozeman, and Great Falls. (To be confirmed). BSSG kicks off with "Spring Thing" April 16, 17, & 18. Dance Sports Stage, Figure Skating and Ice Hockey will have their competitions during this time.

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What is Opening Ceremonies?
In the tradition of the Olympic Games, a gala Opening Ceremonies will be presented at Daylis Stadium in Billings on July 16, 2010 at 8:00 p.m. Pre-ceremony events begin at 5:30 p.m. The evening features the promenade of the parade of athletes, exciting live entertainment, the administration of the Oath of Athletes, and the lighting of the torch by a special Olympic guest. Past Olympians and special guests include: Mariel Zagunis, Brianna Scurry, Rowdy Gaines, Derek Parra, Bonnie Blair, Shannon Bahrke, Billy Mills, Greg Louganis, Edwin Moses, President George Bush, Dave Johnson, Jeff Blatnik, Steve Lundquist, Trent Dimas, Rulon Gardner, Tristan Gale, Shannon Bahrke, Steven Lopez, Cami Granato and Montanans - Eric Bergoust, Pat Spurgin Pitney, Mike Burton, Kendall Cross, Judy Morstein Martz, Tom Gage, Kari Swenson, and Julie Brown.

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How do athletes enter the Big Sky State Games?
Entry booklets will be mailed directly to all 2009 participants and will be available at any First Interstate Bank, the Billings Gazette, Big Bear Sports Center, Wendy's, Scheels, Gainan's, Play It Again Sports, local newspapers, and sporting goods stores. Athletes can also enter online at www.bigskygames.org.

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How do you qualify for State Games of America? Medalists from the 2009 & 2010 Big Sky State Games in: Archery, Badminton, Basketball, Billiards, Bowling, Cycling, Figure Skating, Golf, Ice Hockey, Karate, Road Race, Racquetball, Soccer, Softball, Shooting - Rifle/Pistol, Skeet, Trap, Swimming, Table Tennis, TaeKwonDo/Judo, Tennis, Track & Field, Triathlon, Volleyball, Weightlifting and Wrestling. are invited to compete in the 2011 State Games of America in San Diego, California August 4-7 view more here...>>>.  This event will feature top level State Games athletes from across the United States.

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questions? email us at: info@bigskygames.org

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Big Sky State Games
490 N. 31st Street, Ste. 200
Box 7136
Billings, MT 59103