A new program presented by the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Tri-Cities and Bristol Motor Speedway will give area children the opportunity to take part in the excitement of race weekend, while teaching them civic and social responsibilities at the same time.

As part of the program, participating Boys and Girls Club members must write an essay of 200 words or less on the topic "How I Can Improve My Community."

All students who enter the contest will receive a free ticket for the March 2008 Sharpie MINI 300. In addition, the winner of each age category will be recognized during pre-race ceremonies at the Food City 500 the next day. Essays will be judged in five age categories: 6-7; 8-9; 10-12; 13-14 and 15-18.

Jim Mullins, a former teacher who developed the idea for the contest, is excited about the potential for growth from the kids.

"I am glad to be able to work with all the clubs and give the kids motivation to learn more about their community, the speedway and themselves," he said. "I worked at the Bristol Boys and Girls Club for six years as a volunteer and think this is a great venue for this program."

The directors of the local Boys and Girls Clubs agreed with Mullins, and said teaching the children to learn more about the world around them is the program's number one mission.

"This is an excellent vehicle for our children to attend a world-class facility and it gives them a chance to meet new people," said Chuck Owens, Executive Director of Kingsport's Boys and Girls Club. "It also will be great for them to set a goal for themselves and then to achieve that goal."

While the essay contest will give children incentive to increase their knowledge about the community and their place in it, the Boys and Girls Clubs also will benefit from the awareness generated by the program.

"We are excited because this will give exposure to our young people and our clubs," said Jessica Rose, Assistant Executive Director of the Bristol Boys and Girls Club.

Final grading of essays will be conducted by friends of the Boys and Girls clubs and winners will be selected based on originality, content and clarity.

To enter the contest, children must be a member of a Tri-Cities Boys and Girls Club. The program begins on October 1 and essays must be returned to the respective club directors by December 7.

For more information, please call your area Boys and Girls Club.