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Year # 18 2003
In 2003, the Big Sky State Games
celebrated its 18th Anniversary with over 11,500 athletes from
250 communities participating in 34 sports and 2,500 volunteers. The Big Sky State Games stands
as the largest State Games per capita in the nation. Olympic Skeleton Gold Medalist Tristan Gale was the special guest Torch Lighter at Opening Ceremonies. Tristan was the first Female Olympic Skeleton Champion in the history of the sport at the Salt Lake City Olympics. Billiards, Dance Sports, Fitness Walk and Pickle Ball were added to the Games bringing the sport total to 34. Shape Up Montana was introduced in February 2003. Over 1,200 individuals participated in either a three month activity or weight loss program. In 2004 the program will be launched statewide. Triathlon, Road Race and Cycling athlete, Jennifer Drinkwalter and Cyclist athlete Dan Berry, 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 2003 Big Sky State Games who best personified the ideals of participation, sportsmanship, effort, and positive attitude. The Big Sky State Games Character Counts! Scholarship continued for the fourth year and was awarded at Opening Ceremonies to Allison Peterson of Sidney and Patrick Riley of Great Falls. Both Patterson and Riley were juniors 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 fourth year assisting athletes that might not be able to enter the Games due to financial hardship.
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