Could Your Child's Name End Up in the Basketball Hall of Fame? The Journey Starts in Sanford!

Sanford Elks Lodge #1679 Invites Local Youth to Participate in the Annual Elks Hoop Shoot!

Imagine your child's name being displayed in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, right alongside some of the greatest names in basketball history. Sounds like a dream? Thanks to the Elks Hoop Shoot Free Throw Contest, that dream could become a reality!

Each year, thousands of boys and girls from across the country participate in the Elks Hoop Shoot, a national free throw competition that gives young athletes the opportunity to showcase their skills, build confidence, and learn the importance of hard work and good sportsmanship.

The best part? The names of the national Hoop Shoot champions are permanently enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts, alongside the legends of the game!

And that journey begins right here in Sanford!

Sanford Elks Hoop Shoot – November 21, 2026

Sanford Elks Lodge #1679 is excited to invite local boys and girls to participate in our annual Hoop Shoot competition.

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, November 21, 2026

• Location: San Lee Middle School

• Registration: Begins at 9:00 AM

• Competition: Begins at 10:00 AM

• Cost: FREE

The competition is open to boys and girls ages 8–13, competing in separate age divisions. Participants take 25 free throws, with winners having the opportunity to advance through district, state, regional, and ultimately national competitions.

Age Eligibility: The Elks Hoop Shoot is open to boys and girls ages 8–13. Participants compete in three age divisions: 8–9, 10–11, and 12–13, with separate competitions for boys and girls.

Important: Age divisions are determined by the child's age on April 1, 2027, NOT their age on the day of our local competition (November 21, 2026).

Not sure which age group your child qualifies for? Use the official Elks Hoop Shoot Age-Group Calculator: https://enf.elks.org/HSAC

More Than Just Basketball

The Elks Hoop Shoot is about much more than making baskets. It's about teaching young people the values of perseverance, dedication, discipline, and sportsmanship. Whether your child is an experienced basketball player or simply enjoys shooting hoops in the driveway, everyone has an opportunity to participate.

Parents, grandparents, teachers, and coaches — help us spread the word! Encourage the young athletes in your life to come out and give it their best shot.

Who knows? The next name added to the Basketball Hall of Fame could belong to a young athlete from Lee County!

Every champion starts somewhere. Why not right here in Sanford?

Join us on November 21 and help us make this year's Sanford Elks Hoop Shoot a great success!