Handicapped anglers

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

I know a few of the guys on the board are vets that have sustained injury but never let it stop them from fishing.  First off, thanks for fighting and kudos for still fishing.

My question is this:

I'm running a C.A.S.T. for kids event next Sept and I'm just trying to iron out anything that might be a problem on game day.  Could you guys give any suggestions or warnings of things that might come up for some of the more physically disabled kids?  I know this is very broad but I just wondered if there were any challenges you faced coming back to fishing that really stand out?

[Yankee_Bassman]

LBH:

Here's a link to a website belonging to a disabled angler. Pgs. 15 and 23 are of interest regarding your question.  You may find some tips you can give the kids for the future, or you may be able to reach the web author and query him directly. I don't know him, I found the site surfing one day. My wife is a therapist, and I saved it for her for patients who fished before accident/illness/injury.

http://www.100megspop3.com/oldvalkyry/index.html

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

That's just the stuff I was hoping for.

THANKS!!

[5150bass]

Low_Budget_Hookers,

I don't have any advice or knowledge on this topic but I just wanted to say (as you probably allready know)  that what you are doing for those kids is absolutely awesome!!  The time you take to bring anyone fishing (but especially kids) means the world to them.

Keep up the good work!!

5150bass

[justtrying]

low_budget --- 10-4 on keep up the good work!

i'm sure that when you get things going, that if you need equipment, supplies, etc., that Many on the board here will help you.  i know i will.

find out what we can do to help, post it, & we'll try to help you help Them. ....it's a Good thing you're doing. Thanks for caring for them

jt

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

Thanks JT, but all the money and equipment is donated, additional help needed is all  "on hand" but if you wanna hop on a plane,......... ;D

[Flatfish]

Wish I was closer to you LBH would help in a minute, when you finish a project of like that you go away with a great inner feeling about yourself, and see the emotions and the expressions of some of the kids over catching a fish, any fish, something we take for granted. My hat's off to you, you'r doing a great thing. Congrats on the Moderator Appointment, Glenn made a good choice.

[loyola_500]

LBH

I don't know if this will help but in the last 2 years I have participated in the "Vaughan Chapter Paralyzed Veterans of America" BASS sanctioned fishing tournament for paralyzed veterans at Rend Lake near Mt. Vernon, Illinois.  This tournament is first class and has always been run extremely well with a lot of volunteers.  Last year we had 70 boats with a veteran and a boat captain in each boat.

I believe the chapter would be willing to provide you with any info to help you plan your event.  Here is their e-mail address:  www.vaughanpva.org

The president of the Vaughan Chapter is Gary E. McDermott.

I hope this helps with your event - my time with the vets has been a rewarding experience.

Good luck.

Scott Moravik

[Glenn]

Wish I was closer to you LBH would help in a minute, when you finish a project of like that you go away with a great inner feeling about yourself, and see the emotions and the expressions of some of the kids over catching a fish, any fish, something we take for granted.

Actually, there may be a C.A.S.T. for Kids event near you. Although their season is over, check out their website to see all the events they've held over the years. Chances are, one was near you.

Often they hold these events at the same venue year-after-year, so it'd be a good bet there will be one again next year.

Also, you can always do what LBH did - contact them and see how you can help get one started in your neck of the woods.

http://www.castforkids.org

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

Great point! C.A.S.T. for kids started way out west and has slowly spread to the mid-country states. The south is getting great coverage but there were no events planned for New England at all.

We have some great kids up here that really deserve the opportunity that the CFK foundation provides. If you live in the south, there are numerous events you could participate in and there is always room for another event in your hometown. Bring a friend or family member or even your whole club! How could anyone not want to be a part of this?

To organize or offer assistance, contact Art Pasley @ CFK. He can be reached by using the "contact us" info on the CFK website.

Thanks for your interest!