by Jason Turner, editor, Youth Beats

Columbus, OH — Don’t look now but summer’s already half over, which means kids have only got a few weeks left to send us submissions for the 2008 Marie Hill Youth Writing Contest and the Equine Artist of Tomorrow Contest.

Up to $2,000 in cash prizes will be awarded, and we’ve decided to extend the deadline until Aug. 30!

The Marie Hill Youth Writing Contest is open to all USTA Youth members, 16 years of age and younger. Entries may be fiction or nonfiction, but the subject should be about harness racing and/or the Standardbred breed. Submissions must be received no later than Aug. 30, and winners will be selected from two categories: 12 and under and 13-16. Entries may not exceed 1,000 words.

Winners will receive $2,000 in cash prizes and be published in the December issue of Youth Beats, the leading harness racing ‘zine for kids.

Information: Jamie Coffy, jamie.coffy@ustrotting.com, or 877.800.8782, ext. 3260.

If drawing or photography is your talent, the USTA has introduced the inaugural Equine Artist of Tomorrow Contest. All USTA Youth members are encouraged to submit their original art and photo images for the chance to win an official USTA prize package and have their submission published in the December issue of Youth Beats. The subject of entries should be Standardbreds and/or harness racing.

Winners will be chosen in two categories, 12 and under and 13-18. Entries must be received by Aug. 30.

Information: Jason Turner, jason.turner@ustrotting.com, 877.800.8782, ext.3269.