The 2013 National Senior Games opened in Cleveland on Friday, July 19. Competitors will meet July 19 through August 1. The Games, a 19-sport, biennial competition for men and women 50 and over, is the largest multi-sport event in the world for seniors. Individuals and teams will compete over the next 12 days in Archery, Badminton, Baseball, Volleyball, Swimming, etc. NSGA Member Organizations hold annual games with qualifying competitions in the year preceding The Games. Athletes that meet specific criteria while participating in the State Senior Games qualify to participate. This year, three Michigan Male Volleyball Teams are competing.

Share the ways you've been able to combine reading with gaming or sports. Earn your badge by sharing a photo of you reading a baseball book at a Tigers Game, reading about improving your chess skills while playing a formidable opponent, or come up with your own way of creatively reading while playing.

Becoming Babe Ruth by Matt Tavares

Mighty Jackie: the strike out queen by Marissa Moss ; illustrated by C.F. Payne

Lipman Pike: America's first home run king by Richard Michelson ; and illustrated by Zachary Pullen

Black Jack: the ballad of Jack Johnson by Charles R. Smith Jr. ; illustrated by Shane W. Evans

You never heard of Willie Mays?! by written by Jonah Winter ; illustrated by Terry Widener

The NFL playoffs are in full swing and Super Bowl 47 is right around the corner. While you're waiting, catch up on some of the lives of some of the sport's greatest players and coaches — both past and present:

Moving the chains: Tom Brady and the pursuit of everything by Charles P. Pierce

Namath: a biography by Mark Kriegel

The Bus: my life in and out of a helmet by Jerome Bettis and Gene Wojciechowski

Manning by Archie and Peyton Manning with John Underwood

When pride still mattered: a life of Vince Lombardi by David Maraniss

Looking for some great Fourth Grade reads? Try some of these:

The strange case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger

The one and only Ivan by Katherine Applegate; illustrations by Patricia Castelao

Tales of a fourth grade nothing by Judy Blume; illustrated by Roy Doty

The summer of the swans [by] Betsy Byars. Illustrated by Ted CoConis by Byars, Betsy Cromer

Frindle by Andrew Clements; pictures by Brian Selznick

Have you earned your Go Wild badge yet? If not, summer isn't over yet--so you still have time. Now that the weather has gotten better, be sure to get out and Go Wild by taking a walk in the woods or at a park, enjoying Art in the Park this weekend, July 13, 14, and 15, 2012 in Downtown Plymouth, or run through the sprinkler to cool off. No matter what you choose to do, Go Wild and have fun!

Local author James DiStefanis shares his knowledge and passion for fly fishing on Wednesday, August 3rd from 7:00-8:30PM. Learn how to tie a fly and perhaps cast a line or two. No registration necessary.

Wicket, gully, bowler, batsman… learn all about the game of cricket from the Michigan Cricket Association on Thursday July 21st from 7:00-8:30PM. A major sport in England and India, cricket is becoming more popular here in the United States. In fact, Canton recently unveiled the Township's first cricket field in Heritage Park. Find out more about this game of fierce competition and skill while earning a Connect Your Summer Sports Fan Badge! No registration necessary.
Photo courtesy of eLibrary.