The Missoula Hell Gate Elks Lodge will host their annual basketball HoopShoot at the University of Montana Schriber Gym. Through the HoopShoot program, the Elks have been developing and reinforcing grit for nearly 50 years. HoopShoot is a national free throw contest for children ages 8 through 13 (based on age as of April 1, 2023). Boys and girls will compete separately in three age groups, 8-9, 10-11, and 12-13. This event is free for children ages 8 through 13.

Finalists from the Missoula local chapter of Elks will go onto divisional in January, where top contestants will to onto the state competition held at Park High School, Livingston MT in February. Children will be competing across the nation and top state finalists will compete at the 2023 National Finals in Chicago, Illinois April 22, 2023. Elks will pay for travel expenses for top contestants and their families at each advancing level.

For more information regarding eligibility and to review rules, visit https://www.elks.org/hoopshoot/compete/playbook.cfm or contact the Elks Lodge 383 Hoop Shoot Director at hellgateelks@gmail.com.