Gatlinburg, Tenn. - Senior athletes of all ages and skill levels across the state are already gearing up for the 2013 Tennessee Senior Olympic district games.

Area seniors ages 49 and older are invited to showcase their athletic abilities and share in some friendly competition at the East District Senior Olympics, scheduled for September 20 - 25 in Gatlinburg, Tenn.

It is necessary to participate in a fall 2013 district games in one of the ten Tennessee districts before advancing to the 2014 state finals slated for June 2014. This is a change as spring district games will not be held.

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 2014. All age groups will be determined by athletes' ages as of December 31 of 2014.

Events include basketball skill events, bowling, golf, horseshoes, pickleball, shuffleboard, swimming, table tennis, tennis, 5K run 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 33rd year, the Tennessee Senior Olympics founders and sponsors are still steadfastly dedicated to promoting healthy and active lifestyles among seniors.

According to Dr. Daniel Barnett, interim chief medical officer for BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, the games help immensely to motivate and encourage the adaptation of an active lifestyle.

"An active lifestyle for seniors means a better quality of life," said Barnett. "Staying fit and participating with other area seniors in these games is a step in the right direction."

Joining BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee as sponsor of the East District games are Gatlinburg Recreation Department, Three Ridges Golf Course, and Walgreens.

The early bird deadline is August 20, 2013 and the final deadline is August 30, 2013. For information or an entry form, please call Susan Backus at (865) 453-5441, e-mail at sbackus@seviervlletn.org or visit the www.tnseniorolympics.com.

About BlueCross®

BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee's mission is to provide its customers and communities with peace of mind through affordable solutions for health and healing, life and living. Founded in 1945, the Chattanooga-based company is focused on reinventing the health plan for its 3 million members in Tennessee and across the country. Through its integrated health management approach, BlueCross provides patient-centric products and services that drive health improvement and positively impact health care quality and value. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Inc. is an independent licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association (BCBSA). BCBSA is an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans. For more information, visit the company's website at bcbst.com.