Lafayette native Parker Gwyn will represent the New Orleans Saints at the NFL Punt, Pass and Kick National Finals on Saturday, Jan. 12, in Atlanta during the weekend of the NFL Divisional Playoffs.

Gwyn is one of forty young athletes from across the country that will compete in the event. Gwyn will compete in the Boys 6-7 field.

Finalists will compete separately in five age divisions at the Falcons' team facility with the top scorer in each group crowned national champion. All participants launch two punts, two passes and two kicks with scores based on distance and accuracy (in feet). The best score from each activity is tabulated to determine the athlete's total.

All youngsters advanced to the national finals through local, sectional and team championship competitions held throughout the NFL regular season. The top four scorers in each age group from across the country qualified as national finalists.

A special on-field award presentation will air during the Atlanta Falcons-Seattle Seahawks NFC Divisional Playoff Sunday, Jan. 13 on FOX. The game kicks off at 1 p.m. ET.

All participants and their guest are provided airfare, hotel accommodations and tickets to the Falcons-Seahawks NFC Divisional Playoff.

NFL Punt, Pass & Kick, which began in 1961, is celebrating its 51st anniversary. It is the nation's largest grassroots sports skills competition. NFL stars – including Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterbacks Troy Aikman and Dan Marino – competed in the Punt, Pass & Kick program as youngsters.

NFL Punt, Pass and Kick is part of NFL Youth Football, which provides ways for children to play, watch and experience the game of football. For more information, visit www.NFLPPK.com. For other NFL PLAY 60 youth programs, visit www.NFLRUSH.com.