By Cherri Gregg

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The Police Athletic League of Philadelphia held its annual Stradley Ronon 24 Math Challenge on Wednesday.

The gymnasium at the Harrowgate PAL Center at East Tioga and H Streets was lined with tables as children in grades five through eight sat head to head, for a mathematics tug of war.

Sixth Grader Antwain says he’s spent a year preparing for this day.

“It’s mental, so as soon as you see the one dotted card, you slap your hand on the table.”

Antwain and 48 other students from PAL Centers around the city spend the evening adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing their way to the number 24 and a gold medal.

“They get trophies and plaques and prizes and I think they’re more excited to learn about math and to participate,” PAL Commanding Officer Lt Bryan Anthony says PAL Centers provide free after school programming for thousands of students throughout Philadelphia.