by Sylene Argent
The Holy Name Knights of Columbus Council (#3305) hosted its annual Free Throw competition inside the gymnasium at Essex District High School last Wednesday afternoon to give area youth a chance to have some fun and show off their basketball skills.
Peter Youngson, Grand Knight of the Holy Name Knights of Columbus Council, was pleased around 35 youths took advantage of the opportunity to participate in the event. Though the free throw competition challenges participants to do their best, it also provides them a chance to socialize and make new friends on the court.
The event also allows the Knights of Columbus to interact with the community outside of regular programming and perhaps even recruit a few new members. The Knights of Columbus, he said, are always happy to host the event as a way to give back to the community.
The Knights of Columbus Free Throw event was open to girls and boys between the ages of nine and 17-years-of-age. The categories were broken down into age and gender divisions to give more youth a chance to excel. The Knights of Columbus even allowed eight-year-old youths to participate in the event for a chance to practice for next year.
Youngson said this was the first year the free throw was open to the ages of 15 to 17. He hopes this new change will catch on in the coming years and will attract many participants.
Every participant last Wednesday evening received a certificate for being involved in the event. The winning participant in each gender/age category received a champion certificate and medal, and will advance to the Districts, which will take place in Woodslee in February.
The top winner from each of the District’s categories will advance to the Regionals, which will take place in Belle River. From there, Youngson explained, the top competitor in each category can compete at the state and then superior levels, which is done by using math to minimize travel time.
As other outreach initiatives, the Holy Name Knights of Columbus hosts a fish fry at Holy Name Church on the second and fourth Friday of the month, with proceeds going to benefit different charities. A special perch dinner will be hosted on February 26, Ash Wednesday, from 4:30-6 p.m., with the proceeds going to the Church’s Mission Club.
The Holy Name Knights of Columbus is also a mentor group to the youth Squires club, which is open to young men between the ages of 10 and 18. New members are always welcome.