Riverside, Elks Lodge host free throw contest

The spirit of giving will get a jumpstart thanks to local Elks Lodge 549 when it hosts its first ever Hoot Shoot Challenge. The event invites local children, ages 8 to 13, to participate in a basketball free throw challenge at Riverside High School’s gymnasium on Dec. 1.

The event, which is free and open to the public, will divide children into age brackets and have them compete to see who can score the most free throw baskets in the time allotted. There will be participation prizes as well as prizes for those who come in among the top three in each age group.

John Miley of the Elks also said there will be chances for the winners to go on to compete at district, and then regional tournaments, as a result.

“The Elks try to be involved in the community,” Miley said. “This is a way to give to the kids and let them have fun.”

Elk Chairperson Tom Rowell is in charge of the event and has been coordinating with Riverside High School to get the program up and running. While this event is not the first of its kind, it is the first time that Elks 549 have gotten in on the fun.

Riverside’s communications director Nick Carrabine is enthusiastic about the school’s partnership with the Elks lodge.

“Riverside is excited to host the free throw contest and we hope many of our students and families will participate,” he said. “We thank the Elks for being a great community neighbor as they have done a lot for our district over the years and we always appreciate their support.”

Those interested in attending should make it to Riverside High School at 585 Riverside Drive in Painesville on Dec. 1, from 10 a.m. to noon.