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Year #1 1986 Montana was the 19th state in the nation to embrace the State Games concept. Knowledge and interest for the Games was fostered through a statewide torch run. Runners and riders carried an original 1984 Olympic Torch through 24 Montana cities during the month of May. Entry forms and information on the upcoming Games in July were distributed. Enthusiasm spread and the number of entries grew as the Torch crossed the state. The goal was 2,000 athletes to participate in 13 sports including: Basketball, Bowling, Cycling, Racquetball, Road Race Series, Shooting, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track & Field, Volleyball, and Wrestling. The goal was exceeded with 3,376 participants. The weekend competition began with an Opening Ceremonies celebration. Participating athletes paraded and 1980 Track & Field (javelin) Olympian and Billings native Mary Osborne Andrews gave the oath to the athletes. Julie Brown, also a track athlete (marathoner) from Billings and member of both the 1980 and 1984 Olympic teams, ignited the torch opening the first Big Sky State Games. |
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