Senior Olympics is open to men and women ages 50 and older. Senior Olympics began in Ohio in 1979. The games have grown over the years, but the purpose remains the same - to promote healthy lifestyles and physical activity for Ohioans age 50 and over and to provide top quality athletic competition. Regional games are held each year at sites around Ohio. The sponsoring organization of each regional
games determines which events will be offered as well as the schedule and fees for those events. Since each games exists autonomously, events offered around the state vary. Most regional games offer at least some of the events from the schedule of events of The National Senior Games, in addition to favorite events of the region. In addition to regional/local games, each year there is a state Senior Olympics competition, called Ohio Senior Olympic State Games. The State Games are held annually in Central Ohio and open to all athletes competing at the regional/local level. Ohio's state games are also open to athletes from outside of Ohio. At a minimum, the State Games offer a near full event menu of The National Senior Games. The State Games that take place in even numbered years act as the qualifying competition for The National Senior Games, which are held every two years, in odd numbered years. To compete at The National Senior Games athletes must compete and qualify in their chosen event. Qualifying criteria varies from event to event, but is established in advance of the qualifying State Games by The National Senior Games Association. The Senior Olympics movement in Ohio is governed by a voluntary Board of Directors. The Board of Directors is composed of games coordinators from around the state and "at-large" representatives. The Board of Directors meets quarterly to discuss games' business and set policies for the statewide movement.
