HOOP SHOOT may not be the crown jewel in Elkdom, but it is certainly a jewel that we as Elks can be very proud of. The beauty of the program is that the participants need not be the best athletes in order to become a champion. With a lot of practice and a bit of good luck, a youngster possibly could have their name permanently inscribed on a plaque in the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts. That is the ultimate prize in the Hoop Shoot Program, which happens for the six national champions each year. For the many thousands of participants not making it to the national finals, they too are rewarded. Parents have said that the competition is a character building experience by learning the value of respect and good sportsmanship. The kids also learn about setting goals and working to achieve that goal. Parents and participants love the opportunity to meet new friends that is afforded through the program. To learn more about this wonderful opportunity for kids, and to read testimonials from the kids and parents alike, log on to www.elks.org/hoopshoot.

The Elks Hoop Shoot is open to all boys and girls, ages 8-13. Contestants will be assigned an age group based on the age that they will be on April 1, 2015. A contestant must be 8 years old by April 1, 2015 to be eligible. A contestant turning 14 on or before April 1, 2015 is too old and not eligible. There is a boys and girls division with three age categories in each division.  Those age categories are: 8-9, 10-11 and 12-13.

This year marks the 43^rd annual Hoop Shoot contest and all lodges in North Carolina are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity. It is very easy to do and much fun to conduct. You can put the Elks out in front of many prospective members by taking advantage of this program. Your lodge could be the sponsor of one of the national Hoop Shoot champions.