LAPLACE — Approximately 80 children competed this month in St. John the Baptist Parish’s first year of hosting the NFL Play60 Punt, Pass and Kick event.

The event included girls and boys ages 6-15. First place winners advance to the Sectional Competition today at Zephyr Field in Metairie.

All participants Oct. 1 at Joe Keller Stadium received a PP&K Certificate of Excellence and Raising Cane’s Achievement Award with a free kids combo. Also, first place through third place  winners received ribbons.

Those advancing to the Sectional Competition include Sarai Gaines, Tylon Lumar, Anaya Reynaud, Christian Cook-Wright, Aja Creecy, Preston Brown, Anya Creecy, Trey Jackson, Elijah Frank and Johntrell Hubbard.

Others that placed second and third include Rynell Bovie, Q’Mar Fobb, Dominic Harrilal, Denae Bigham, Amaya Gordon, Jason Bardell, Jaki Johnson, Victoria Barrett, Da’Jawn Johnson, Ly’Kern Thomas, Branden Eugene and Terrance Samuel.

“The first annual event was a huge success, and we would like to thank all of the volunteers for their time and efforts on ensuring our youth had a fun-filled and active day,” Parks & Recreation Director Kerry Watkins said. “A special thank you to the St. John Sheriff’s Office and Raising Cane’s of LaPlace for helping sponsor the event and for their assistance.”

The St. John Parks & Recreation Department is registering Parish youth for basketball season through November 4. Registration and payment is available at sjbparish.com or the Parish office, 200 Regala Park Road in Reserve. Registration is $15 per child.