Wausau, Wisconsin - The Ho-Chunk Hi Wasi Pi Singers and Ho-Chunk dancers participated in the Opening Ceremony of the Badger State Winter Games at Marathon Field in Wausau, Wisconsin on February 6, 2004.  The Badger State Winter Games provides approximately 4200 athletes the opportunity to participate in 14 sports over two weekends.  The participation numbers make the Badger State Games the largest multiple winter sport festival in the United States.

The Ho-Chunk singers and dancers were honored to sing the Ho-Chunk Nation Flag Song and Welcome Song at the opening of the Winter Games.  Members of the singing group were Ian Littlejohn, Valene Falcon, Gabriel Falcon, Jake Littlejohn, John Falcon, Anthony Falcon, Frank Thunder, Gordon Thunder, Martin Falcon, and Samson Falcon.  The dancers were Dale Littlejohn, Paul Cloud, Charles Hindsley, and Heath Littlejohn.

Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle was the keynote speaker at the opening ceremonies.  Governor Doyle made a special effort to personally meet and greet the Ho-Chunk singers and dancers.

"The Games were a great success," said Ryan Richard, Vice President of Operations for the Wisconsin Sports Development Corporation.  Plans for the Winter 2005 Games include adding basketball and a large Opening Ceremony program with high value entertainment.  According to Diane Walder, Vice President of Marketing and Communications, " The Opening Ceremonies of the 2004 Bader Summer Games and the 2005 Games are intended to again include the colorful pageantry of the Ho-Chunk singers and dancers."  She added, "The presence of the Ho-Chunk singers and dancers were very impressive and quite moving."

Governor Doyle (back to the camera) making a special effort to personally meet and greet the Ho-Chunk signers and dancers.