Minden/Douglas Elks host hoop shoot competition

Members of the Minden/Douglas Elks Lodge No. 2670 in the Gardnerville Ranchos invite all girls and boys ages 8-13 to participate in their annual basketball free throw contest on Friday, Jan. 11. Registration will take place at Meneley Elementary School starting at 3 p.m., with the competition starting shortly thereafter.

There will be two divisions - one for girls and one for boys, with three age categories of 8-9 years, 10-11 years and 12-13 years. Categories are determined by each contestant's age as of April 1, 2008.

Specific rules are set and followed to ensure consistency and fairness for all.

This is a friendly, spirited competition that attracts several million kids each year. This year, they are projecting over three million boys and girls will participate nationwide.

Of the many kids who participate, six will be named national champions, one girl and one boy in each of the three age categories.

Each champion will receive a trophy and the distinct honor of having their name inscribed on a plaque at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts.

There is no fee to participate in the free throw contest and parents of finalists at the district, state and national levels attend the competitions as guests of the Elks.

According to their Web site, "The Elks desire, through their Hoop Shoot program, to provide an interesting, character-building, competitive program for all girls and boys in the contest regardless of their previous athletic competition or abilities.

"This nationwide, sanctioned program gives these youngsters an opportunity for spirited competition, fine relationships with their peers, and travel statewide, regionally and nationally - at minimal expense to their parents or school."

Several alumni winners of the hoop shoot have gone on to pursue distinguished basketball careers at both the college and professional level.

If you are looking for something fun and active to do during the winter break from school, this is a great opportunity to head outside and practice those free throws. Who knows where it may lead? You may just find yourself at the national championships in Springfield this April.

For more information about the hoop shoot, log onto the Elks' national Web site at www.elks.org/hoopshoot or call local member Dave Trueblood at 782-3416.

Enjoy a safe and Happy New Year.

-- Amy Roby can be reached at RanchosRoundup@hotmail.com.