More than 3,500 Tennessee senior athletes are gearing up for the Tennessee Senior Olympics state competition.

Area seniors ages 50 and older will have the opportunity to showcase their athletic abilities and youthful spirit at the Chattanooga District Senior Olympics, scheduled for May 7–10 in Chattanooga.

Individuals will compete within five-year age groups, starting at age 50. Participants who are 49 years old are eligible to participate in the district and state games as long as their 50th birthday occurs before the end of 2008.

Events include swimming, basketball free throw, bowling, volleyball, track and field events, tennis, billiards, horseshoes, table tennis, softball throw, softball, ballroom dancing, 5K run, cycling, golf, power walk, shuffleboard, badminton, basketball 3 on 3, weightlifting, and racquetball.

The top four finalists in each event at the district level will advance to the state competition, July 18-24, in Williamson County, Tn. Top finalists from the state competition will qualify for the 2009 Summer National Senior Games slated for August 2009 in San Francisco.

“The Tennessee Senior Olympics has a 28-year history in our state,” said Christine Dewbre, executive director of the Tennessee Senior Olympics. “The district championships bring together athletes of all interests and skill levels as they compete for the opportunity to travel to Williamson County.”

BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, presenting sponsor and a long-time supporter of the Tennessee Senior Olympics, helped establish the games in 1981. The event seeks to promote healthy lifestyles for senior adults through fitness, sports and an active involvement in life.

According to Dr. Ken Patric, chief medical officer for BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, adopting a healthy lifestyle generates many benefits, from improved cardiovascular endurance to muscle strength and increased flexibility.

“By participating in the Tennessee Senior Olympics, seniors are making great strides in improving their health now and for the future,” Dr. Patric said. “Studies show that exercise is important for promoting quality of life in older adults.”

Joining BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee as sponsors of the Chattanooga District are Alexian Brothers Senior Neighbors, and Chattanooga Parks and Recreation.

The deadline for District Senior Olympics registration is April 15. For information or an application, call Ginny Hansen at 755-6100, email at ghansen@alexianbrothers.net, or visit the event Web site, www.tnseniorolympics.com.