San Tan Valley — Boys and girls ages seven to14 are invited to compete in the free Hershey’s Track & Field Games coming Apr. 13 to Poston Butte High School in San Tan Valley.

The event, open to all Arizona youth, is hosted by the San Tan Valley Think Tank and the Greater San Tan Chamber of Commerce.

Participants compete by age in 50-400 meter dashes, standing long jump, and softball throw.  Top two winners in each event automatically qualify for the State Hershey’s Track & Field Meet on May 17 in Glendale.

Finish times for state champions are compared to those from the four other states in the region, and final winners are eligible for the national competition in Hershey, PA.

Steve Johnson, community volunteer and meet coordinator, encourages youth to join a team to receive training in preparation for the meet. “While individual kids can show up at the meet and compete, we’ve found that those who train with a team stand a better chance and are better equipped to avoid injuries,” he advises.

Schools, civic organizations, and individuals are encouraged to form teams.

To register, participants may go to HersheyTrackandField.com and sign up electronically or fill out a registration form. Sign-ups will also be available at the meet.

For more information, contact Steve Johnson at smjohn52@cox.net. Entrants must be born between 1999 and 2006 and must provide proof of birth.