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Athletes who received medals in eleven Big Sky State Games events earned the opportunity to compete at the Inaugural State Games of America in August 1999 in St. Louis, MO. The Big Sky State Games qualifying events included: basketball, bowling, road race, soccer, softball, swimming, TaeKwonDo, tennis, track & field, volleyball and wrestling.

Montana native and 1998 Olympic Gold Medal Aerial Skier and world record holder, Eric Bergoust was the special guest. He lit the torch by doing what he does better than anyone else in the world. Bergoust jumped off a portable ski jump carrying a hand held torch, kicked off his skis and climbed the stairs to ignite the Big Sky State Games Torch. Joining Bergoust in the air was the Extreme Air Show. The jumpers combined ski and snowboard jumping with high-flying trampoline stunts.

The Montana Sports Massage Team joined Deaconess Billings Clinic and American Medical Response medical volunteers to aid athletes at the conclusion of the Road Race and Cycling events. In spite of the 100° plus temperatures, the volunteers and athletes were well prepared – iced towels, water, sunscreen, PowerAde, hats, and every inch of shade was put to good use.

Swimmer Trent Hartl and Karate athlete Sue O’Connell were named the Big Sky State Games Athletes of the Year.

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