Thirty-five fishermen and boats are needed for the 2009 Cast For Kids fishing derby at Lake Thunderbird State Park, Oklahoma.
The eighth annual Cast For Kids fishing derby for children with disabilities will be Sept. 26 at the Lake Thunderbird BoatHouse, Thunderbird State Park. About 35 children are expected to participate this year along with siblings, parents, caregivers, fishermen and volunteers.
Children with disabilities ages 11-17, with little or no fishing experience, are invited for a one day outdoor fishing event that provides physically challenged children an opportunity to learn to fish. For many of these children this is the first opportunity to fish because of limitations caused by their disability. Cast for Kids is not only fun for the participants but for everyone who volunteers their time and resources for this event. Kids learn to enjoy the outdoors and fishing while volunteers learn a valuable lesson about living with a disability and other limitations.
The event kicks off with registration for fishermen/ boats at 7 a.m. and children at 8 a.m. The event is sponsored nationally by the Cast For Kids Foundation and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. Locally the event is hosted by the Lake Thunderbird BoatHouse and Thunderbird Sailing Club and sponsored by the Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation and the Lake Thunderbird Educational Foundation. The local Cast committee members are Susan Hendon, Thunderbird State Park; Jeff Tompkins, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, and Dr. Chad Cox and Les Cummings of the Lake Thunderbird Educational Foundation.
The children are provided with a morning fishing trip, PFD, T-shirt, hat, fishing gear, tackle box, plaque, photo, prizes/gifts, and a delicious luncheon is provided for all. Tax deductible donations for the Cast event may be sent to LTEF, PO Box 1756 , Norman, OK 73070.
To register a child with disabilities or to volunteer with your boat to take a child fishing, call Hendon, Thunderbird State Park manager, at 360-3572. Pontoon boats are especially needed for children in wheelchairs. Hendon also encourages parents and caregivers to register their kids as soon as possible.
