AUBURN — Do you like to shoot free throws? Think you can beat others in a contest? Then enter the Elks National Hoop Shoot Contest sponsored by the Lewiston Elks Lodge No. 371.

The local Lodge event will take place Dec. 12 at Hasty Community Center Gymnasium at Pettengill Park. Registration will begin at 9 a.m., with the Hoop Shoot Contest to follow.

The Elks National Hoop Shoot program is open to all boys and girls ages 8 to 13,and is held by Lodges throughout the country. Competitors must shoot a total of 25 free throws, with the shooter completing the most baskets in each age group advancing to the next level.

Age groups are 8-9, 10-11 and 12-13. More than 3 million youth compete each year in the contest.  

Winners of the local contest will advance to the district and possibly the state, regional and national contests. The national contest will be held in Springfield, Mass., in April. Winners of the national contest will have their names placed in the National Basketball Hall of Fame.

For more information on the Elks National Hoop Shoot Contest, visit www.elks.org/hoopshoot.