The Maine Elks Association (MEA) State Hoop Shoot competition was held on Feb. 1, 2009 at Cony High School in Augusta. The event was hosted by the Augusta Elks Lodge No.1964. Eighteen boys and girls competed in the contest to determine the six state champions, who have earned the right to advance to the regional contest to be held in South Portland, ME on March 27-29, 2009.
Cassidy Pelletier, of the Presque Isle Elks Lodge No.1954, came in first in girls 8-9. Carmen Bragg, of Presque Isle, came in first in girls 12-13.
Following the contest, the contestants traveled to the Augusta Elks Lodge, where they were treated to pizza, and were provided the Drug Awareness materials furnished by Drug Awareness Director Frank Ricker of the Maine Elks Association. Following lunch, the awards were presented to each contestant by State Hoop Shoot Director Mark Inman, who was assisted by MEA State President Robert Drisko of the Augusta Elks Lodge, Second Ranger of the Farmington Elks Lodge.
Also speaking at the event was Area 1 Hoop Shoot Committeeman Richard Blinn of Mass., who spoke about the importance of the Hoop Shoot program.
Blinn also expressed his sincere thanks to the Elks National Foundation and its contributors for funding the Elks National Hoop Shoot program.
Two special awards were also presented to the highest scoring boy and girl. The first award was the Allan W. Richard Outstanding Shooter Award in memory of the late Allan Richard who had served as the MEA’s Hoop Shoot Chairman for 19 years. The award was presented to Carmen Bragg representing the Presque Isle Elks Lodge No. 1954.
Since its inception in 1946, the Elks National Hoop Shoot competition has grown to include more than 3 million participants annually, making it the largest non-profit co-educational sports program in the country.
Much of the funding for the program comes from the Elks National Foundation, the charitable arm of the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks.
Contributed photo
THE 2009 STATE HOOP SHOOT participants and attendees include, in front from left: Cassidy Pelletier, Emmet Shell, Taylor Sargent and Michael Wiper; and, in back: MEA State President Robert Drisko, Carmen Bragg, Isaiah Patterson and MEA State Hoop Director Mark Inman.
