The Bill Galvin Racing Alliance (BGRA) is looking for young aspiring writers and artists to submit entries for its two Youth Contests with the Aug. 31 deadline fast approaching.

For the Youth Literary Derby, Ontario students in Grades 3 to 8 may submit either a poem or a short story about something Standardbred related. There are junior (Grades 3-5) and intermediate (Grades 6-8) divisions for this contest.

Young artists can submit drawings or sketches with a Standardbred theme for the Youth Art Derby. In addition to the junior and intermediate divisions, a senior division has been added for Ontario students in Grades 9-12.

The contests have been graciously supported and sponsored by prominent St. Catharines, Ont. based Standardbred breeder and owner Tom Rankin. Divisional winners will receive $250, second place will receive $150 and third place in each division will receive $100.

The deadline to enter is midnight on Saturday, Aug. 31.

Equine Guelph will be offering its Youth Horse Behaviour and Safety online courses to winners that are 13 years of age or older.

For any educators or youth group leaders who would like more details or promotional items on the two contests, email [email protected]. Complete rules and details for these contests can be found on the BGRA website at bgracingalliance.ca.

(Bill Galvin Racing Alliance)