Senior athletes of all ages and skill levels across the state are already gearing up for the 2015/2016 Tennessee Senior Olympics district games.
Area seniors ages 49 and older are invited to showcase their athletic abilities and share in some friendly competition at the Chattanooga District Senior Olympics scheduled for
Oct. 6-25, with the Pickleball Tournament being held
Feb.
26-28, 2016 in Chattanooga.
It is necessary to participate in a fall 2015 district games in one of the 10 Tennessee districts before advancing to the 2016 state finals slated for June 2016. Finalists at the state finals will advance to the 2017 Nationals scheduled for Birmingham.
Individuals will compete within five-year age groups, starting at age 50. Participants who are 48 or 49 years old are eligible to participate in the district games as long as they will turn 50 before the end of 2016. All age groups will be determined by athletes' ages as of Dec. 31, 2016.
Events include badminton, basketball skill events, basketball 3 on 3, bowling, field events , golf, horseshoes, pickleball, shuffleboard, swimming, table tennis, tennis, track events, and volleyball.
"The games are designed to promote camaraderie and teamwork among fellow senior athletes, all while emphasizing the fact that exercise is important at any age," said Christine Dewbre, executive director of the Tennessee Senior Olympics.
BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, presenting sponsor and a long-time supporter of the Tennessee Senior Olympics, helped establish the games in 1981. Now entering their 35th year, the Tennessee Senior Olympics founders and sponsors are still steadfastly dedicated to promoting healthy and active lifestyles among seniors.
Joining BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee as sponsor of the ChattanoogaDistrict games are City of Chattanooga Youth and Family Development Department Recreation Division and Walgreens.