Annual Elks Hoop Shoot to return to YMCA Jan. 14 after hiatus

The Elks Lodge #264 will be bringing in some competitive action with the Elks Hoop Shoot on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023, at the YMCA.

Children ages 8-13 years old, as of April 1, 2023, will be permitted to play in the boys and girls divisions. Birth certificates will be required to verify ages upon registration.

Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. on the day of the event, with practice permitted before the competition starts. At noon, there will be a welcoming ceremony with the Pledge of Allegiance and a rules explanation, and then the shoot will commence.

Lunch will also be available before the shoot, held in the YMCA lobby following the Youth Basketball League in the morning. It will be provided to all participants and families by the Elks Lodge.

Trophies will be awarded to the winners, and those winners will qualify to be part of the Elks Northwest District Hoop tournament in Warren on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023.

The Elks Hoop Shoot has been running nationally for around 50 years, said Hoop Shoot Lodge Chair Chris Fiely.

He explained that this will be the first year back after a couple years’ hiatus. Fiely added that he’s excited for the various youth activities throughout the year in the community and that they’re able to bring an old tradition back.

“It’s probably the most well known youth event for the Elks,” Fiely noted. “It’s like our Hallmark event because we’ve been doing it for so long.” He estimated that around 50-60 kids had joined in the competition in previous years.

“I remember participating in the Elks Hoop Shoot [when I was a kid],” Fiely reminisced. “So I’m honored to be the chair this year for the event.”    

The Hoop Shoot is funded in part by the local Elks Lodge, as well as through the Elks National Foundation.

To contact the Elks Lodge #264, call (814) 827-7721. For more information on the Hoop Shoot, visit elks.org/hoopshoot.