by Jason Turner, the U.S. Trotting Association

Columbus, OH — The Marie Hill Youth Writing Contest is back for 2011.

The contest is a chance for kids, ages 16 and under, to win cash and prizes by submitting original stories about Standardbreds and harness racing. This year the contest will run from Friday, June 3, until Friday, Aug. 13.

The contest is sponsored by Marie Hill, a native of New Brunswick, Canada, who has authored books on Adios, Single G, Delvin Miller and Joe O’Brien. She created the contest to encourage kids to write about her beloved sport and the horses who make it possible.

Here’s what you need to know to enter:

• The contest is open to all USTA youth members 16 and under
• Essays, fiction and nonfiction entries are accepted and should reference harness racing or the Standardbred breed
• Entries may not exceed 750 words
• Submissions will be judged on content, accurate industry references and spelling/grammar
• Winners will be selected in two different age groups: 12 and under; 13-16
• The top overall entry will be featured in Youth Beats magazine, and cash prizes will be awarded to first-, second- and third-place entries
• Youth members who have previously won the contest on more than one occasion are not eligible to enter in 2011
• Entries must be accompanied by an entry form or include the following information: name, age, grade, mailing address, e-mail address (if applicable) and phone number
• Entries must be received no later than Friday, Aug. 13

Submissions and/or questions should be sent to Youth Beats editor Jason Turner at: 750 Michigan Ave., Columbus, OH 43215 or call 877.800.8782, ext. 2.