PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — A year after it was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Elks Hoop Shoot is returning with normal contests.
The Elks Hoop Shoot is a free throw contest open to boys and girls ages 8-13. Contestants are assigned an age group based on the age they will be on April 1, 2022. The program is free for all contestants and provides an opportunity to compete, connect and succeed through hard work and healthy competition.
The Presque Isle Elks Lodge No. 1954 is hosting its lodge competition on Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022 at Presque Isle High School. Registration is at 8:30 a.m. and the competition gets under way at 9 a.m.
Schools and recreation departments from the communities of Ashland, Caribou, Easton, Limestone, Mapleton, Mars Hill, Presque Isle, Washburn and Woodland held preliminary contests in December, with winners awarded trophies and the right to advance to the lodge competition.
Due to the continued pandemic, some guidelines will be in place during the Jan. 2 event. Everyone in attendance, including the competitors, must wear a mask throughout the competition. Participants are allowed to bring their own basketballs, but they must be the correct size for their respective division of competition. All age divisions will use a 28.5-inch ball except for the 12-13 boys’ division, which uses a 29.5-inch ball.
Winners at the lodge event move on to the Northern Maine districts, which will be held in Bangor Jan. 16, 2022, with state, New England and national contests following for those who advance.
