Hoop Shoot 2014
321 days until the finals!
Who are the Elks?
Elks are community.No matter where you go in the country, an Elks Lodge is right around the corner. With more than 850,000 members and 2,000 Lodges nationwide, Elks are providing charitable services that help build stronger communities. Click here to join us in service to your community!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Elks Hoop Shoot?
The Elks National Hoop Shoot Free Throw Contest is a co-educational youth basketball program sponsored by the Elks National Foundation. Highlighting the Elks commitment to America’s youth, the Hoop Shoot begins at the local level with Elks Lodges. From there, participants advance through district, state, and regional competitions. Of the millions of young people who participate and advance, six national champions are named—one boy and one girl from each of three age groups: 8-9, 10-11, 12-13. The winners of the national competition each receive a trophy and their names are inscribed on a plaque housed in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts. Parents accompany contestants throughout each level of the competition. The parents of finalists at the state, regional and national levels attend the competitions as guests of the Elks.
How will the Hoop Shoot benefit our school and the children who participate?
The Elks Hoop Shoot provides a unique, character-building and competitive program for all participants, regardless of their athletic ability or previous experience. The program provides children the opportunity to experience healthy competition, establish positive relationships with peers, and develop self-management skills that aid in achieving school and life success. Youth participate at a minimal expense to their parents or school and benefit from the involvement of their families and community members along the way.
How can my school or community organization host a Hoop Shoot competition?
Hosting a Hoop Shoot competition is easy! The Elks will provide all of the information and assistance needed to hold a successful Hoop Shoot. In many cases, schools or community organizations conduct their own contest using the Elks Hoop Shoot Rules and Guidelines. Once your contest’s winners are declared, these champions will attend your sponsoring Lodge’s competition to compete with champions from neighboring communities. The Elks will see that your organization’s winners are notified of their next level of competition throughout the entire contest. Locate your sponsoring Lodge and get started today!
Who organizes and runs the Hoop Shoot Program?
At the local level, Hoop Shoot competitions are organized and run by a local Elks Lodge. If your school or community organization is hosting a Hoop Shoot, your sponsoring Lodge will assist you in organizing and running your contest. With the support of the Elks National Foundation, Hoop Shoot Directors at each district, state, and regional level coordinate and run their area’s Hoop Shoot program. The National competition is organized and run by the Elks National Foundation.
Who can participate in the Hoop Shoot Program?
The Elks Hoop Shoot is open to all youth, ages 8-13.
What rewards do the Hoop Shoot winners receive?
In addition to the valuable experience that the Elks Hoop Shoot provides, participants are rewarded for their achievements as well. Every participant, regardless of their rank, receives a certificate of participation and achievement for their efforts. Depending on the level of the competition, winners receive a plaque or trophy. In addition to receiving a trophy, national champions also have their names displayed at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts.
What is the cost of conducting a Hoop Shoot contest, and who is responsible for it?
Your sponsoring Elks Lodge will provide you with the Elks Hoop Shoot Rules and Guidelines and assist you in organizing your event, free of charge. What you will need to conduct the event is a facility equipped for a regulation free-throw contest, volunteer support, and, of course, participants! You will want to be sure to advertise your event to members of your school, organization, and/or community. The Elks can provide informational brochures and posters to help your efforts. For state contests and beyond, the Elks National Foundation covers all program costs, including participant transportation, food and housing expenses.
How do the Elks benefit from the Hoop Shoot program?
The Elks consider our nation’s youth its most treasured resource and seeks to support them however possible. The Hoop Shoot allows us to provide youth an opportunity to grow up healthy and develop into responsible adults. The program teaches self-discipline, respect and dedication. Through the Hoop Shoot, Elks help prepare youth to face the challenges of today and to take on tomorrow’s opportunities.
Who are the Elks?
The Elks is one of the oldest and largest fraternal organizations in the United States. We are a network of 2000 Lodges and nearly one million members. Elks Lodges are places where neighbors come together, families share meals, and children grow up. Elks invest in their communities through programs that help children grow up healthy and drug-free. They undertake projects that address the unmet needs of their communities and honor the service of our nation’s veterans. The Elks National Foundation seeks to help Elks build stronger communities. The foundation fulfills this pledge by investing in communities where Elks live and work. We provide tomorrow's leaders, our youth, with a healthy beginning; honor the Elks' pledge to never forget our veterans; help the state Elks associations accomplish their charitable objectives; and fund projects that improve the quality of life in local Elks communities.
How do I get involved?
To host or participate in a local Hoop Shoot, contact you nearest Elks Lodge and ask to speak with the Lodge Activities Chair or Exalted Ruler. You can locate your nearest Lodge by using our Lodge Locator. You may also contact the Elks National Foundation by e-mailing HOOPSHOOT@elks.org or calling (773) 755-4758.
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