Young people are being invited to take part in a photography competition.

The Rotary Clubs (扶轮社) of Formby have organized the free event for young photographers who live in,or are at school in Formby.

Children taking part must have been aged 16 or under.There is a senior section for children aged between 12 and 16 and a junior section for those who are 11 years old and under.

Children taking part can submit (提交) up to three photos and there is no set theme.There are cash prizes for both the senior and junior sections,with $ 30 for the first place,$ 20 for the second and $15 for the third.A number of “commended” entries will also be awarded.

The closing date is Friday,June 18,and all entries should be handed in at Formby Pool reception.Entry forms are available (可得到的)from Formby Pool,the library,Pritchards,or www.formby.rotary 1180.org.

Ian Cover,president of the Rotary Clubs of Formby,said,“There will be a display of the winners and other selected entries at Formby Pool between June 10 and 30.The prize presentation will be made at the pool during the Formby Live Weekend on July 17 and 18.”

Paul and I were on our school basketball team, the Lions. After we joined the team, we became good friends soon. We were both huge basketball fans. Paul’s favorite player was Richard. He was only 1.6 meters tall, which made him the shortest player ever in his team. Paul was only 1.6 meters tall, too! Paul knew that being shorter than other players meant that he had to practice more. During all those hours of practicing on his own, he took Richard as his example.

Paul once said, “If Richard could make it, why can’t I?”

Our coach ignored (忽视) Paul because of his height. So Paul was still usually a replacement (替补). It was really painful for him. Everyone knew Paul was someone who worked really hard and had a strong wish to play for the team. However, Paul didn’t get a chance.

This week, the Lions were playing against the Bears, a team whose record had been perfect this season. Suddenly, a player and I knocked into each other. My knees hurt badly. The team got together, looking worried. The last quarter was about to begin, and my team was behind by 10 points.

“I don’t think I can play anymore, coach,” I said quietly as the doctor checked my knees.

“What about Paul?” someone suggested.

“Paul?” said the coach. “He can’t play!”

“Give him a chance, coach!” I said.

“Let me try, coach! I won’t let you down!” Paul said.

“OK!” The coach finally agreed. “Don’t let us down, Paul. It’s your time to shine.”

Paul jumped up and rushed into the court (球场). And clearly, all the hours he spent practicing alone paid off. The other team just couldn’t keep up with Paul’s energy and speed. He made it and people couldn’t stop cheering for him.

When the game ended, our team won by two points.

The coach patted Paul’s shoulder and said, “You’ve just earned (赢得) your place on the team, big boy.”