photo by: John Young

Freddy, a three-year-old Border Collie / Australian Shepherd mix, pulls down a flying disc during a Skyhoundz disc dog competition at South Park on May 3, 2015.

Local dogs can soon display their disc-catching skills for the public at South Park as part of the Skyhoundz Local Championship.

The Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department is hosting the annual event May 11, and it will be free for spectators and dog-owner teams wishing to compete, according to a news release from the city. Dogs of all types and abilities may take part, including novice and veteran competitors.

Members of the Kansas City Disc Dogs will be available to help teach dogs the basics of the sport, and a mini-clinic will be held after the competition.

The competition includes two events: the distance/accuracy competition and the freestyle event. In the distance/accuracy competition, contestants earn points for basic throws and catches, with bonus points for mid-air catches. The freestyle event is typically accompanied by music and includes freeform and choreographed throws as well as stunts and acrobatics.

Volunteers are needed to assist in judging the competition, and volunteers under 18 will need to be accompanied by an adult. Special Events Supervisor Duane Peterson said volunteers can sign up on the city’s website, lawrenceks.org, by calling 832-7940 or by registering at the event.

The Skyhoundz Local Championship will begin at 11 a.m. on the west side of South Park, 1141 Massachusetts St. Registration will begin at 10 a.m.