Valley Stream Knights to hold free throw contest

Got a good shot from the three-point line? Then come on down to the Knights of Columbus annual free throw competition, which will be held next weekend for boys and girls.

The 13th annual basketball competition will be hosted by the Father Thomas Carroll Chapter at the Holy Name of Mary School on Jan. 22. Winners will move on to the regional championship, with the chance to eventually compete at the state level.

Event organizer Jack Wagner said that participation has been declining in recent years, so he is hoping for a good turnout this year. He said when the event started more than a decade ago, 80 children were taking part in the competition, but last year it was less than 30. In some age groups, Wagner said he struggled to get even one participant.

The event is open to boys and girls ages 10-14. Wagner said that the age is determined by how old a child was on Jan. 1, so anyone who turned 10 since then would not be eligible. Proof of age is required for each child.

In the first round, participants will have 15 chances to make as many free throw shots as they can. The winner in each age group will move on to the next round, which will also feature competitors from Knights of Columbus chapters in Floral Park and Hewlett.

But for next Saturday’s event, the competition is open to children just in the Valley Stream area. Wagner said every child who participates, whether they advance to the next round or not, gets a patch and a certificate. “Everyone walks away a winner in my book,” he said.

Wagner said it is a good social event, as participants can meet children from other schools in Valley Stream. He also said that each child gets their own time in the spotlight as they take their 15 shots. “It boosts their self-confidence,” he said, noting that some of the past participants have shot a better free throw percentage than a lot of NBA players.

Knights of Columbus chapters from all over the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico host the free throw competitions. Last year, more than 344,000 children participated in 4,700 competitions.

There is no need to sign up in advance, Wagner said. Participants can show up the morning of the competition and can register on the spot.

Free throw competition

When: Saturday, Jan. 22 at 9 a.m.

Where: Holy Name of Mary School gymnasium, 90 S. Grove St.

Who: Open to boys and girls of Valley Stream, ages 10-14 as of Jan. 1, 2011. Proof of age is required.

For more information: Call Jack Wagner at (516) 791-2396.