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Big Sky State Games Are Officially On

Big Sky State Games Are Officially On
Laura Smith
/
Flickr (CC BY-ND 2.0)
Big Sky State Games Are Officially On

Big Sky State Games Are Officially On

The 35th annual Big Sky State Games (BSSG), which draws around 10,000 athletes of all ages from across Montana and surrounding states each year, are a go and registration has begun.

The organization announced June 1 most of the 40 sports they offer will be held July 17 through 19 including opening ceremonies on July 17 at Daylis Stadium in Billings. Registration began Monday after being delayed due to the novel coronavirus.

Adjustments were made for some sports like basketball and volleyball, which have moved outside, scaled back team sizes and staggered schedules, because of concerns over use of indoor facilities and keeping them clean. Officials with BSSG said they are following the Governor’s Directive for Phase 2 of the reopening of Montana.

BSSG Executive Director Liana Susott said the staff and the board of directors worked very hard to keep the games this year.

"There’s been a lot of state games that had to cancel their events. And so we are just grateful that we were able to do something for the athletes here in Montana," Susott said.

Susott urges athletes to check their websitefor any changes or updates to various sports.

She also emphasizes that some events by their nature do not allow for physical distancing and athletes should understand the inherent risk of entering the event.

Big Sky State Games were founded in 1986 to provide quality competitions and programs that inspire health and active lifestyles.

 

Copyright 2020 Yellowstone Public Radio

Kay Erickson has been working in broadcasting in Billings for more than 20 years. She spent well over a decade as news assignment editor at KTVQ-TV before joining the staff at YPR. She is a graduate of Northern Illinois University, with a degree in broadcast journalism. Shortly after graduation she worked in Great Falls where she was one of the first female sports anchor and reporter in Montana.
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