Lake Taneycomo Elks to host Hoop Shoot

The Lake Taneycomo Elks Lodge #2597 is excited to invite area youth to participate in the Elks Hoop Shoot, a free throw contest for children ages eight to 13. The competition will take place Sunday afternoon, November 16, in the Forsyth School Multi-purpose Gym. Registration and warm-ups open at 1 p.m., with the event starting at 2 p.m. 

The Elks website, https://www.elks.org/hoopshoot/about.cfm, describes the Hoop Shoot as part of the “grit movement,” which started a few years ago when psychologist Angela Duckworth studied people in challenging situations, ranging from spelling bee participants to teaching in tough neighborhoods to military cadets, and found indicators that “grit” may be a more accurate predictor of success than social intelligence, good looks, physical health or even IQ. Long before this research, though, the Elks began this program as a way to help children build resilience through competition and perseverance. 

Age groups will be determined by the participant’s age as of April 1, 2026, to coordinate with national finals, and national finalists have the opportunity to have their name listed in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. 

For more information, contact local Hoop Shoot coordinator Sean Calhoun at 417-546-1650.