State Special Olympics Summer Games Feature Olympic Gold Medalist at Big Sky High School [YouTube]
Big Sky High School will host Gold Medalist Hannah Teter on Monday, May 18, during an assembly that will start at 9:15 a.m. in the gymnasium.
Principal Natalie Jaeger said the school is excited to welcome Teter, as the Big Sky chapter of DECA is honored for spearheading the Special Olympics "Minutes That Matter" contest.
"To celebrate that, Hannah Teter, who is the U.S. Olympic Team Gold Medal winner is coming to the school to present a special award," Jaeger said. "The whole-school assembly will also serve to kick off our pep rally for our Special Olympics athletes and coaches, as the State Summer Games kick off here in Missoula."
The opening ceremonies will take place on Wednesday night at 7 p.m. inside the Adams Center, when over 1.200 athletes from 71 teams will parade into the Dahlberg Arena to witness the lighting of the Flame of Hope, transported on foot by runners representing law enforcement agencies across the state.
Athlete Austin Hurd will act as co-emcee along with KGVO's Peter Christian.
"I'm very excited," Hurd said. "It's just an amazing thing with all the athletes and coaches and how much effort they've put in. I'm grateful that the athletes are going to do great and I'm very grateful to be an emcee."
Also speaking at the opening ceremonies will be Lt. Governor Angela McLean, Phyllis Washington, and other special guests. The public is invited to attend and cheer on the athletes, the teams and their coaches.