Upper Cumberland Senior Games coming up

This summer as thousands of athletes journey to Greece — site of the first Olympics — to compete for gold and glory, the Tennessee Senior Games remind everyone that Olympic competition and spirit transcend all ages.

“The true spirit of competition at the first Olympics in 776 B.C. is still alive today in athletes of all ages and skill levels,” said Christine Dewbre, executive director of the Tennessee Senior Games. “Whether they’re 50 or 100, we encourage everyone to participate in our local and state Games.”

Area seniors ages 50 and older can display their athletic abilities and join the festivities of the Upper Cumberland District Senior Games, which are scheduled for April 26-May 7.

Seniors from Cannon, Clay, Cumberland, DeKalb, Fentress, Jackson, Macon, Overton, Pickett, Putnam, Smith, Van Buren, White and Warren counties are eligible to participate.

Events include bowling, swimming, shuffleboard, track and field events, power walk, badminton, tennis, table tennis, golf, softball throw, basketball free throw and horseshoes.

Individuals will compete within 5-year age groups, starting at age 50. Participants can actually be 49 years old to participate in the district and state games, if their 50th birthday occurs before the end of 2004.

The top four finalists in each event at the district level will advance to the state competition, set for July 16-22 in Clarksville.

In 2003, more than 3,000 seniors participated in district competitions across the state, with 1,450 reaching the state finals.

“When BlueCross founded the Games in 1981, we wanted to encourage seniors to exercise and engage in active lifestyles. Our efforts have grown from a few hundred athletes to thousands of participants,” said Dr. Steve Coulter, senior vice president and chief medical officer for BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee. “And as Tennessee’s 65 and older population is expected to reach 1.4 million people by 2025, the emphasis on healthy lifestyles for seniors will only continue to intensify.”

Joining BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee as Gold sponsors of the Upper Cumberland District Games are First National Bank of the Cumberlands, Litchford Eye Clinic, PC, and Buckeye Home Medical Equipment.

The deadline for registration for the District Games is April 16. For information or an application, contact the McMinnville Warren Co. Senior Center at 809 Morrison St., or phone 473-6559.