SOUTH DAKOTA

 

HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION

 

 

804 N. Euclid / PO Box 1217 - Pierre SD 57501

Telephone: 605-224-9261 – Fax: 224-9262

Dr. Daniel Swartos

Executive Director

 

 

 

I have no doubt that the 31st annual Dakota Oyate Challenge will once again bring three days of excellent boys and girls basketball competition, exciting hand games and archery events, and a beautiful cultural showcase to the city of Huron. On behalf of the staff and Board of Directors of the South Dakota High School Activities Association, please accept a warm welcome to the spectators and athletes alike, as well as sincere thanks to the people who organize and put on this outstanding event. 

 

Billy Mills once said “The ultimate is not to win, but to reach within the depths of your capabilities and to compete against yourself to the greatest extent possible. When you do that, you have dignity. You have pride. You can walk about with character and pride no matter in what place you happen to finish.”. As spectators this week, I hope you enjoy and appreciate the gifts and talents that are being shared by the youth on the playing field.  Similarly, I hope that every youth who participates in SDHSAA activities does so in the manner Billy Mills describes above.  If nothing else, participating in high school activities provides the youth in our state an avenue to grow in resilience, team work, dignity, and pride.  May this be an unforgettable three days of competitive contests, sportsmanship, safety for all of the competitors, and a great time had by all. 

 

On behalf of the South Dakota High School Activities Association, welcome!  Enjoy this year’s Dakota Oyate Challenge and all of the festivities that make it wonderful and unique. In addition, welcome to the Fair City of Huron and the Huron Event Center. Wopila!

 

Sincerely,

 

 

 

Dr. Daniel Swartos

SDHSAA Executive Director