Competition encourages youth participation in sport

Area youth will be put to the test at Saturday's local qualifying event of the Junior Olympic Skills Competition.

The Center for High Altitude Training is encouraging boys and girls ages 8 to 13 to showcase their skills in four sports: basketball, tennis, soccer and track & field. Young athletes can also participate in the new 5-Ring Challenge, an exercise self-evaluation in which participants can compare their overall athletic abilities against others across the country.

Winners will advance to the regional competition in Phoenix, with an opportunity to advance to the national competition at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.

Registration begins at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 19, at the NAU Recreation Center. The competition runs until 3 p.m. No pre-registration is required; however a copy of the child's birth certificate is required to verify age.

Information is available at: www.jrolympicskills.com and www.nau.edu/highaltitude. Or call (928) 523-4444.