Senior Olympics Recruiting for 2013 Games

As the 2012 Summer Olympics in London continue to draw the world's attention,  Mike Sophia is already focused on summer 2013. That's when the National Senior Games -- aka the " Senior Olympics" -- will take place, and Sophia is already lining up older athletes to compete in what he expects to be a record-breaking event.

Held every two years, the Senior Olympics are open to American adults 50 and older, with events divided into age groups at five-year intervals. The first games, in 1987, attracted about 2,500 competitors. Last year's event drew about 10,000 participants, and Sophia said he expects even more in 2013.

Like in the regular Olympics, athletes who want to compete in the Senior Games must first compete in a qualifying round. These are currently being held in 49 states (find out when your state's games are being held here). Athletes can qualify in the state they live in or any state that allows out-of-state competitors.

Competitive events include archery, badminton, basketball, bowling, cycling, golf, horseshoes, pickleball, race walk, racquetball, road race, shuffleboard, softball, swimming, table tennis, tennis, track & field, triathlon and volleyball.

The 2013 Senior Olympics will be held July 20 through Aug. 5 in Cleveland. The 2015 games are slated for Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minn.

Tuesday Quick Hits: 

• One-third of doctors reject Medicaid patients. More than three in 10 doctors said they wouldn't take new Medicaid patients in 2011, according to a new analysis published in the journal Health Affairs.

• California aims for low-income retirement plan. A state bill would start a retirement plan for low-income workers who have no access to a traditional company pension or 401(k). But the proposal is drawing strong opposition from many lawmakers and small-business owners.

Photo: Charriau Pierre/Getty Images