HOWELL – The Father Cetkowski Council of the Knights of Columbus (Howell-Jackson) will conduct its annual free throw shooting contest at Mother Seton Academy, Route 9, Howell, on Jan. 25.
Youngsters from the area may sign up now to take part in the event.
All boys and girls ages 9 through 14 are invited to participate in the free event. Registration will begin at 2 p.m. and the competition will begin at 2:15 p.m. Winners of the competition in Howell will advance to the district competition.
Brian Curran has been involved with the free throw contest since the late 1970s when he joined the Knight of Columbus.
“We start off at the local level … Each child has 15 free throw attempts and whoever makes the most free throws wins their age group,” Curran said. “After January we have a district championship with the winners from several councils. The district event is in February and each child will shoot 25 free throws.”
The Father Cetkowski Council will host the district championship on Feb. 22 at Mother Seton Academy. A regional championship (by diocese) will be held in March.
In the last three years, two local children have reached the state finals: an 11-year-old boy and a 12-year-old girl.
“Everything is free and the event is non-denominational … We put it out to everybody, it is open to public schools, recreation (league) people, travel (team) people. It is a nice day out for the kids. They are actually learning a little bit of discipline and concentration, and how to deal with the pressure,” Curran said.
All children on the local level will be recognized for their participation in the free throw contest. Participants must provide proof of age (i.e., birth certificate) and written parental consent. For entry forms or more information, contact Brian Curran at 908-415-4720.