While 9-year-old Kelsey San of Keizer normally competes in gymnastics, she will travel to Idaho soon to compete in a regional free throw basketball contest.
The regional Elks National Hoop Shoot Contest is on Saturday, March 14, and will include competitors from Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. After regionals, the next step is the national contest in Chicago, Ill.
The competition is sponsored by the Elks.
To qualify for the regional level, Kelsey won local competition at Blanchett Catholic School on Saturday, Dec. 13, then the district competition Saturday, Jan. 17 and won the state title on Saturday, Feb. 14.
In the state competition, Kelsey made 17 of her 25 free throws. Her mother, Christina, said this is Kelsey’s first time participating in the contest.
Kelsey, a third grade student at Clear Lake Elementary School, is a gymnast who usually shoots hoops with her brothers, Christina said. Her father, Thomas, said he is practicing with her ahead of the regional event.
Thomas said that as a boy he competed in the Elks event, once placing second at the state level.
Kelsey said she participates in the contest for “fun” and that she is excited for regionals.
“I’m nervous for the shooting, but I’m not nervous for shooting in front of people,” Kelsey said.
NEWS TIP? Contact reporter Krista Kroiss at [email protected].
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