Out of the local program grew the national program, now in its 30^th year. Each of the over 2,200 Lodges were encouraged to establish its own local contest involving boys from ages 8-13. From the local area, contestants would advance through the district, state, regional and national competitions.

In the first year, 1971, boys from 19 states participated. Two years later in 1973, over 750,000 boys from 42 states took part in the contest. In the following year, girls were added to the competition, and the program has continued to expand ever since. All fifty states and the District of Columbia are now represented.

From the millions of youngsters who participate, six champions are named – one boy and one girl – in each of the three categories: ages 8-9, 10-11 and 12-13. The winners each receive a trophy and their names are inscribed at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts.

The competition to become a champion is tough. At each level, a contestant takes a total of 25 free throws. National finalists average around 90% each round of competition. Families travel with contestants throughout the competition. The parents of the finalists on the state, regional and national levels attend the competitions as guests of the Elks.