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DOWAGIAC — The annual Dowagiac Elks Club Hoop Shoot Free Throw Contest will be Saturday at Dowagiac Union High School.

Registration and warm ups begin at 10 a.m., with the Shoot beginning at 11 a.m.

The contest is open to girls and boys ages 8 to 13 whose 14th birthday must not be before April 1. All kids in Cass County are welcome and the program is free to all participants.

Each participant will shoot 25 free throws and each group winner will receive a medal, a new basketball, and move on with other winners to the district event.

Ultimately, district winners will have family expenses paid to attend state, regional and national contests.

The Hoop Shoot provides a character building and competitive experience for all participants. Contestants learn about the importance of respect, good sportsmanship and accepting defeat or winning gracefully.

Through healthy competition and practice, contestants develop skills that aid in achieving school and life success.

The Hoop Shoot is just one of the Dowagiac Youth Activities sponsored by the Dowagiac Elks Lodge.