Senior athletes of all ages and skill levels across the state are already gearing up for the 2018 Greater Nashville 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 Greater Nashville District Senior Olympics, scheduled for September 18 - September 29 in Williamson County, Tenn.

It is necessary to participate in a fall 2018 district games in one of the ten Tennessee districts before advancing to the 2019 state finals slated for June 2019.

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 2019. All age groups will be determined by athletes' ages as of December 31 of 2019.

Events include badminton, basketball skill events, basketball 3 on 3, bowling, cornhole, golf, horseshoes, pickleball, shuffleboard, swimming, table tennis, tennis, and track and field.

"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 38th 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 Greater Nashville District games is Williamson County Parks and Recreation.