The Mercer Island Boys and Girls Lacrosse Clubs held their second “Lacrosse Stick Giveaway” on Sept. 4.

Thirty-four excited boys and girls from pre-kindergarten through fourth grade participated, and each received a free lacrosse stick courtesy of the funds raised by the Mercer Island Lacrosse Club at its last auction in March.

For most of the kids, it was their first exposure to this sport. A number of coaches and boys and girls high school players were on hand to give instructions and show the kids how to play lacrosse.

The goal of the giveaway is to put a lacrosse stick into the hands of every child on Mercer Island who wants to give lacrosse, one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, a try.

Lacrosse has its origins in a tribal game played by Native Americans and by some tribes in what is now Canada. Traditional lacrosse games were sometimes major events that could last several days.

As many as 100 to 1,000 men from opposing villages or tribes would participate. The games were played in open plains located between the two villages, and the goals could range from 500 yards to six miles.

Modern day lacrosse is well established on the East Coast and is very different from the sport as played by Native Americans hundreds of years ago, according to the club. It is one of the most exciting sports to play and to watch and is now sweeping the western U.S. All boys and girls are invited to try this amazing sport.

For information, contact info@mercerislandlacrosse.com.