Like a highlight reel, stories flood my memory as I reminisce over almost 30 years of my involvement and management of the Tennessee Senior Olympics.

Highlights such as:

Witnessing a 90- year -old swimmer bravely competing for the first time and relishing the moment as the entire pool audience stood and erupted in applause as she finished.

Cheering noisily as if I was at the Final Four, as our 60+ women’s basketball team finally dethroned a longtime Louisiana rival at the 2013 Nationals.

Eagerly awaiting the annual arrival of a bowling couple, and savoring the sound of her British accent floating through the air as she again regales us with her beloved  tale of falling in love with her American soldier. Update- we lost Herb in 2022 and we will miss him terribly.

Happiness and laughter spilling out from a group of us surrounding a car as 102- year- old Robert Jones emerged, officially breaking our oldest athlete record.

Watching gleefully as gloves were tossed high as our women’s 55+ softball team caught that 3^rd out in the 9^th, clinching a gold medal in the dusty desert of Tucson at the 1997 National Senior Games.

Experiencing the intense delight at our pickleball venue, as a much- beloved player was able to be on-site to volunteer during  remission of her cancer.  A time we cherished as she was taken from us five months later.

Joyfully watching a family at the pool, as they wildly encouraged their grandfather to the finish line.

 Listening. Catching up. Gathering stories.

 Wonderful stories

• “Hey, I have lost weight”
• “I don’t take my diabetes medicine anymore”
• “I feel better, this has changed my life”
• “ I am so happy to see these lifelong friends who have so enriched my life”
• “I got through chemo better because of my fitness level”
  
  

Simply put, witnessing athletes with skill levels from beginners to the jaw-dropping elite compete makes for an encounter that redefines aging.  From tennis players commanding the court to pole vaulters lifting into the air to a beautiful bump-set-spike set-up in volleyball, I love the days of competition.

Why Join in on the Senior Olympics/Games?

You too should consider joining in to grasp first-hand the fun, fitness, and fellowship that the event affords.

Come experience the joy of feeling stronger, younger, and enjoying better health.

If you are a veteran competitor, we look forward to having you back!  Please consider sharing this post with other interested individuals, as hopefully many questions will be answered below.

Questions

Here are frequently asked questions and answers as you ponder the possibilities:

1) I envision elderly folks on walkers and competition while sitting in chairs.  I’m not frail.  Is this what it is like?

Or- is this an event for former collegiate, professional, and high-level athletes?  I can’t compete at that level and don’t want to be embarrassed.

While you might find a former true Olympian in the mix, you will find skill levels from beginners to those truly more accomplished.  It’s somewhere in the middle of the aforementioned comments.

What makes the program unique is that there is a culture of encouragement and support amongst athletes. 

Don’t get me wrong- it’s competitive.  No matter the skill ability or age, people love to win. Don’t you like to win while playing family board games?

Yet athletes are so friendly and encouraging that often you will find a medalist who has finished turning around and cheering on the remainder of the competitors as they strive toward that finish line.

It’s all about setting YOUR personal best.

2) At what age can you start?  I am only 50 and hate to be considered a senior.

As long as you turn 50 by the end of the calendar year, you are free to jump on board!

The sentiment about being considered a senior is very real, and in my experience, some people will not entertain the possibility of playing.  It’s shocking how fast we all reach our 50s!

My work with the Senior Olympics began when I was 30 years old. Even for me, it was terribly difficult to comprehend that I was at that eligible age in 2013.  Jumping into pickleball and a couple of track events, that sentiment vanished and I cannot begin to express the joy and fun that followed.

My experience is not an isolated one., as so many have recounted that same feeling of joy when participating. 

Age is truly forgotten as one loses themselves in play.

After meeting your fellow peers, you cannot wait for the next competition.  This leads to training and practicing with a goal in mind, perfect motivation!

3)  What sports are offered?

These sports are offered in Tennessee, but please be aware that sports may vary from state to state.

Archery ∙ Badminton ∙ Basketball (3 on 3) ∙ Basketball Skill Events ∙ Bowling ∙ Corn Hole ∙ Cycling ∙ Disc Golf∙    Field Events ∙ Golf ∙ Pickleball ∙ Racquetball ∙ Road Races ∙ Shuffleboard ∙ Swimming ∙ Table Tennis ∙ Tennis ∙ Track Events ∙  Power Walk ∙ Volleyball

4) I don’t want to compete against younger people- it doesn’t seem fair to compete against a 50-year-old.  Are there age groups?

Yes.  Another beauty of the system is that age groups are set up in five-year increments.

Therefore the 50-54’s will play each other, as will the 55-59’s, and all the way up.  One of my favorite divisions is the 90-94 and 95-99 contingents.  Talk about inspiring!

In doubles and team sports, players compete in the division of the youngest person.

Connecting with those the same age with so much in common such as growing up during the same time period, being at a similar stage of life, and even comparing notes on doctors is another beautiful benefit.

When surveys are taken, the formation of lifelong friendships always emerges as a top reason to participate.

5) I am out of shape.  Will I be embarrassed?

No.  Consider this to be your start line.  Come do your best and set that baseline.

Afterward, you are set to seek improvement by practicing and training with this ever- so- fun goal in mind.

Also remember as stated above, the majority of athletes present are encouraging and supportive to all.

A story is told by one of our regular participants about his first year.  Arriving at the event intimidated, out of shape, and overweight (his words), he could only bring himself to attend the athlete party.  Amazed by the camaraderie, positivity, and encouragement of those he met, he dove into track and field and other events the following year.  Stating that his goal is to simply finish each year, he will be the first to tell you that his life has been changed.

6) How do I get involved or join?

Every state offers a Senior Games/Olympics.  Some may have local events as a prerequisite, so click on your state for additional details.

As long as you turn 50 years old by year-end, you are eligible!

7) Is there a national competition after the state competition?

Yes!  Can you imagine 10,000+ athletes converging together from all across the nation as well as a few other countries? 

Full of inspiration, wonderful competition, and the chance to form coast-to-coast friendships, it is the largest multi-sport competition in the country.

Every other year (on odd years), the National Senior Games is hosted.  For 2023, the event is slated for Pittsburgh.

8) Do I have to qualify to attend the National Senior Games?

Yes.  Athletes must qualify during even years at a state qualifying site although a few sports are considered “open”.

For example, Tennesseans may qualify for the 2025 Nationals at the 2024 TN Senior Olympics State Finals.

In most sports, you must place in the top four of your age group at a state competition, although for some sports it might be the top three or another alteration.  The NSGA rulebook spells it out for each sport.

Join Us!

Check the list of states for 2023 dates, locations, and other information if this is an aspiration for you.

Please remember to support your own state! Tennesseans, please visit our website at www.tnseniorolympics.com for additional information.

2023 is Your Year!

You don’t stop playing because you get old; you get old because you stop playing.

George Bernard Shaw