Short Hops | Dec. 29

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Elks Hoop Shoot Competition

All free throw shooters — boys and girls from 8 to 13, are invited to Kekuaokalani Gym on Jan. 9 for a free throw competition.

Registration begins at 9 a.m. with competition at 10 a.m. Age groups are: 8-9; 10-11; and 12-13. Trophies for first and second places in each group with separate competition for boys and girls.

Each contestant gets 25 shots at the hoop from the free throw line (the 8-9 year age group shoot from four-feet in front of the line and with the smaller ball) with 15 additional shots if tie breaker needed.

The boy and girl in each age group with the highest scores may advance through four tiers of competition to qualify for the national finals in Chicago from April 14-17. Local scores are compared with best total out of 25 attempts for those shooting in the state of Hawaii, and the winners are compared to age and gender counterparts in California, and those winners proceed to the semifinals in Las Vegas, with winners going on to the finals in Chicago. Kona Elks Lodge 2616 provides for transportation of winners along with one parent for out of state competition.

All youngsters who reside in West Hawaii are invited to participate. It is not necessary to sign up in advance, just come to the gym and compete — there is no cost. For questions call Joe Reynolds at 334-0077.

Kai Opua Canoe Club seeks coaches

Kai Opua Canoe Club intends to enter all 40 outrigger canoe racing divisions at each 2016 regatta and the Big Island Championship, and the State Championship, which will be held this year on Oahu. We are seeking applicants for the positions of Men’s and Women’s Coaches, 18 Year-old and Under Division Coaches and for the Assistant Coaches positions.

Anyone interested in any of these positions should contact info@kaiopua.org or call Bo Campos at 938-8577. Applications are due by Jan. 2.

Horseshoe club 1st league play

The Kona Horseshoe Pitcher’s Club will begin its first league play of 2016 on Jan. 7 at the Kona Palms Courts horseshoe pits behind the tennis courts at Old Kona Airport Park.

Membership is required for this approximately eight to ten week sanctioned doubles league. New or returning players will be paired whenever possible. Handicap scoring is used enabling players of all levels to participate. League play is from 4-6 p.m. Thursdays with a weekly fee of $5.

For more information, call Reg at 756-8085.

The Kona Horseshoe Pitcher’s Club offers free informal play from 9 a.m. to noon on Wednesdays at Kona Palms Courts. Also, come down to the horseshoe pits on Thursday evenings (4-6 p.m.) to meet some of the players. Pitchers of all levels are welcome.

For more information, call Al at 322-7085.

On the Emily T. Gail Show

Tania Howard, Executive Director of the the Waimea Ocean Film Festival, gives an overview of the line-up of inspirational and award-winning films, film makers and speakers and activities. ​

The festival runs from January 1-8​ ​with showings and events January 1-4 in Waimea, ​at Mauna Kea Resort and The Fairmont Orchid and January 4-8 at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai.

Kevin Ginoza, PGA Director of Golf, Waikoloa Beach Resort talks about the 25 Amer Ari Intercollegiate Invitational​ ​at Waikoloa King’s February 4-6​ ​with the top Division I teams in the country.

​Jordan Spieth was on the winning University of Texas team in 2012. Kevin also talks about the Waikoloa Beach Resort commitment to family and junior golf through their Family Golf Days​.

The Emily T Gail Show is available at espnhawaii.com under the lineup tab, free pod cast at iTunes and facebook.com/Emily T Gail. For information contact Gail at 896-6780 or emilytgail@gmail.com.