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In 2002, the Big Sky State Games celebrated its 17^th Anniversary with over 11,200 athletes from 250 communities participating in 30 sports. The Big Sky State Games stands as the largest State Games per capita in the nation.

2002 Olympic Freestyle Skiing Silver Medalist Shannon Bahrke was the special guest Torch Lighter at Opening Ceremonies. Barhrke was the first US Medalist in the Salt Lake City Olympic Games.

Disc Golfer Brent Bell set a world record for the longest ace at 726 feet on 18 blue at the Diamond X Disc Golf Course. The BSSG added Figure Skating to round out the 30 sports. 

Road Race and Cycling athlete, Renee' Coppock and Track & Field athlete Charles Jannings, both of Billings, were named the Big Sky State Games Athletes of the Year.  The award recognized the top male and female among the participants of the 2002 Big Sky State Games who best personified the ideals of participation, sportsmanship, effort, and positive attitude. Renee'  went on to be honored as the National Congress of State Games Female Athlete of the Year.  She was chosen from over 500,000 athletes who competed in one of the 40 recognized State Games programs held annually throughout the country.   

The Big Sky State Games Character Counts! Scholarship continued for the third year and was awarded at Opening Ceremonies to Sara Patterson of Great Falls and Patrick Riley of Bozeman.  Both Patterson and  Riley were seniors in high school during the 2002/2003 school year.  The Character Counts! Scholarship is an annual award  designed to promote sportsmanship.  Applications/nominations forms are available each year at the Big Sky State Games office.

In addition, the Athlete Assistance Program continued for the third year assisting athletes that might not be able to enter the Games due to financial hardship. 

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