SCHAWANA - They had to do it by television remote, but the Wind Valley Arrows have taken first place again in the World Bible Bowl.

The North American Division Pathfinder Bible Experience (NAD PBE) was held in Washington, D.C. Wind Valley was given a special exemption to compete by live remote out of Spokane.

"There was much joy when it was announced via the live stream that Wind Valley had received a first place," coach Meg Bartrand said.

The team includes her two sons, Beck and Anson, and Benjamin Renfro and Abe Shouse of Cle Elum. The competition, which starts locally, is about Bible knowledge.

The Wind Valley Arrows were one of 88 teams from states and provinces of North America, as well as a handful of teams from England, which had placed first at regional, conference, and union levels. The event was held in the Washington D.C. area on April 11-12.

Jonathan Curtis of Cle Elum served as the team runner. Officials helping to make the remote participation possible included Cheryl Wallace and Wayne Hicks of Spokane, Tony and Claudia Phillips of Colville, and June Cross of Ellensburg.

The PBE is designed to encourage Bible study by youngsters in grades 5-10. Teams study a book of the Bible through the fall (possibly starting in spring or summer), then participate in a regional event in January.

Pathfinder Bible Experience is sponsored by the Pathfinders, a scout-like Christian youth organization.