Registration Open for Viera Elks Lodge Annual Hoop Shoot Free Throw Competition

at the Viera Regional Park Recreation Center on Friday, December 5

BREVARD COUNTY • VIERA, FLORIDA – The Viera Elks Lodge #2817 is preparing to welcome young athletes from across the community for the local lodge level of the 2025–2026 Elks Hoop Shoot Free Throw Competition.

The event will take place at the Viera Regional Park Recreation Center, 2300 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Melbourne, on Friday, December 5, at 6 p.m..

The long-running national program, known as the largest youth free-throw contest in the country, invites boys and girls ages 8 through 13 to participate in a free evening of friendly competition.

The Hoop Shoot program, now in its 53rd year, encourages children to set goals, work hard, and gain confidence through a simple but challenging test of skill. Participants are divided into six divisions based on age and gender: boys and girls in the 8 to 9, 10 to 11, and 12 to 13 age ranges.

Eligible contestants must be at least eight and not yet fourteen as of April 1, 2026. While registration is appreciated, it is not required for participation.

Each contestant will take 25 free-throw attempts, with the top scorer in every division advancing to the Southeast Central District contest in Fort Pierce on January 10, 2026.

From there, winners may progress through state and regional levels, ultimately competing for a national title in Chicago. The six national champions will have their names permanently added to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Hoop Shoot Coordinator Heidi Vargas expressed enthusiasm for this year’s event, noting that its impact goes far beyond the basketball court.

She emphasized the program’s ability to instill persistence, determination, and resilience in young participants, skills that persist long after the competition ends. Vargas encouraged all eligible children in the community to take part.

The Hoop Shoot is entirely funded by the Elks National Foundation and remains one of the organization’s most visible youth programs. Since its inception, more than 100 million children have participated in the contest.

For additional information or to register, families may contact Heidi Vargas at vierahoopshoot@gmail.com or visit the registration link. More details about the national program can be found HERE.

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