Florence youth ages 8 to 13 can shoot for national recognition in the 50th anniversary Elks Hoop Shoot.

The free local area contest is 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 18, at Siuslaw Elementary School, sponsored by Elks Lodge 1858.

Contestants must be at least 8 and no older than 13 as of April 1, 2022, to participate.

Winners making more than 18 of their 25 free throws qualify for an expenses-paid trip to the district championship Jan. 8 in Seaside.

There also are state, regional and national finals.

Competition categories for both boys and girls are ages 8-9, 10-11 and 12-13.

Parent or guardian most provide proof of current covid vaccination. 

The six national winners will have their names listed alongside their picture in a digital display at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass.

For information on the local contest, call Harry Gualco, 541-790-1076.

For more contest information, go to https://www.elks.org/hoopshoot/compete/playbook.cfm