On January 13, 2024 the Charleston Elks #623 will be hosting their annual National Hoop Shoot. The National contest, in its 52nd year, is a free throw competition for age groups 8-13 years of age. Three girls divisions and three boys divisions, will shoot 25 free throws for best score. Winners will advance to District in Champaign, Illinois and possibly onto State, Iowa Regionals, and The Chicago National Finals in April. Competing age groups are 8-9, 10-11, 12-13, girls and boys each. Ages will be based on how old they are on April 1st, 2024. The Hoop Shoot will be held at the Charleston High School Gym in Charleston located at Route #130 & Lincoln Ave. The Charleston Elks area includes boys and girls from Oakland, Mattoon, Ashmore, Tuscola, Charleston, Newman, and Hume. The event is free and any travel expenses past local shoot will be covered by The Elks National Foundation. Registration will begin at 12:30 p.m. with competition starting at 1:00 p.m. In 2023, over 240,000 girls and boys participated in the National Hoop Shoot. For further information contact Rod Franklin at 217-549-6376.