BILL STONE
Honoring a Legacy of Leadership, Sportsmanship, and Service
A Lifetime of Dedication
Bill Stone is the embodiment of what it means to serve both community and sport. With over 60 years of volunteer service at Cheyenne Frontier Days, Bill has become a cornerstone of Wyoming’s civic and athletic life. His impact has spanned across organizations and decades, reflecting a profound commitment to seniors, sports, and leadership.
Leadership at the Wyoming Senior Olympics
Bill joined the Wyoming Senior Olympics Board in 2006 in Sheridan and quickly rose through the ranks, serving as Vice President in 2008 and President in 2009. He played a pivotal role in securing Cheyenne as the host city for the 2011 and 2012 Senior Olympics, leveraging his experience as a three-year CFD General Committee Indian Chairman. As Host City Coordinator, he managed complex logistics under challenging circumstances—raising $35,000 in sponsorships after a city coordinator stole funds and was later incarcerated.
From 2011 through 2023, Bill consistently held either the President or Vice President role on the board, offering steadfast leadership through cycles of growth, change, and expansion. His work included finding and securing host cities, personally visiting chambers of commerce, and even obtaining board approval for critical startup funding when needed.
A Champion for Pickleball and Athletic Innovation
Bill is widely credited for introducing pickleball to the Wyoming Senior Olympics, ensuring it was recognized as an official sport when it was adopted nationally. His advocacy helped the sport flourish, with cities building new courts to accommodate growing participation.
In addition to pickleball, he was instrumental in expanding the athletic program to include weightlifting, following insights he gained from attending Colorado State Games. His efforts helped elevate Wyoming’s presence on the national stage, contributing to a record 600+ athletes from 28 states attending the 2012 qualifying year.
Lifelong Athlete and Role Model
Since 2007, Bill has in every summer and winter games, entering up to eight events in each summer and winning either Gold or Silver in every event. His commitment to staying active and competitive is a testament to the Olympic spirit he champions.
Service Beyond the Field
Beyond athletics, Bill has dedicated his life to serving seniors, having worked in healthcare since 2006. He also served the Cheyenne community through a 20-year part-time role in opening the YMCA, helping provide a space for wellness and recreation.
Recognition and Family Legacy
In 2024, Bill was inducted into the inaugural class of the Wyoming Senior Olympics Hall of Fame, an honor that recognizes not only his athletic achievements but his transformative leadership and tireless service.
Bill is also a proud father to a son and daughter, and remains a humble figure whose dedication continues to inspire athletes and volunteers alike.