The 2025 Big Sky State Games badminton tournament will be held for the first time in Great Falls, at the Montana School for the Deaf and Blind, July 19-20.
Relocating the games from Billings to Great Falls reflects a growing interest in the sport and strong participation in Central Montana.
“This event is about more than just competition,” Vim Herrera, local organizer and badminton advocate, said in a release. “It’s about building community, inspiring new athletes, and highlighting Great Falls as a vibrant and welcoming destination for statewide events.”
Richard Lai, founder of the Great Falls Badminton Club and current commissioner for the badminton division of the Big Sky Games, helped move the event to Great Falls.
“Lai’s leadership and deep roots in the community made this opportunity possible,” Herrera said. “He laid the groundwork, and I was proud to work alongside him to find the right facility and rally the support needed to bring this vision to life.”
The Montana School for the Deaf and Blind was selected as the venue after a search for a location that met both the tournament’s logistical needs and the budget constraints of its organizers, a group of volunteers from the Fil Am Great Falls non-profit organization.
“The school’s gym setup is ideal, and we’re proud to partner with an institution that contributes so meaningfully to the community,” Herrera said.
As many as 50 players from cities across Montana are expected to compete in this year’s event. Matches will run throughout the day, offering viewing for both seasoned fans and those new to the sport.
“We want to grow the sport here — and that means reaching out to youth and families, encouraging new players, and showing how badminton can bring people together across cultures,” Herrera said.
The tournament is part of the larger Big Sky State Games, a multi-sport event that draws athletes from across Montana, Idaho, Wyoming and the Dakotas. Organizers are working to establish a rotating host model between Great Falls, Bozeman and Billings to ensure broader access to the sport and increased visibility in different parts of the state, according to a release.
“It means everything to share this with my hometown and show a part of myself that many haven’t seen,” Herrera said. “Badminton has brought together players of different ages, nationalities, and backgrounds. It’s not just a game—it’s a community.”
