News Release Archive

C.A.S.T. For Kids Scheduled at Potholes State Park

Media Contact: John Redding, (208) 378-5212, 07/29/2011 09:19
Margaret Schoneman, mschoneman@usbr.gov

For Release: July 29, 2011

Children with a wide range of disabilities will have the opportunity to reel in a good time as they join enthusiastic volunteers during the Columbia Basin Project's C.A.S.T. for Kids event on Saturday, August 6 at Potholes Reservoir located 15 miles south of Moses Lake, Washington.

C.A.S.T., which stands for "Catch a Special Thrill," offers children with disabilities an opportunity to enjoy a day of fishing at the reservoir.

Participants and volunteers will gather at Potholes State Park located off State Route 262. Washington State Parks manages the campground which offers easy access to Potholes Reservoir.

"This may be the first fishing experience for some of these kids," said Margaret Schoneman, of Reclamation's Ephrata Field Office. "This is a great opportunity to be for us to be part of a special experience that these children will remember for a lifetime."

The children range in age from 7-16 years old and have a variety of physical or developmental disabilities and, in some cases, a terminal illness. "Each participant will receive fishing gear, tee shirt, and a hat," said Margaret Schoneman.

The State Bass Anglers Societies work under the large umbrella of the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society and will be on hand with fishing boats and years of professional experience to assist novice anglers. The morning fishing events will be followed by a picnic lunch prepared by the Culinary Arts Class of the Columbia Basin Job Corps Center.

Partners include: Bureau of Reclamation, C.A.S.T. For Kids Foundation, Columbian Bain Walleye Club, Potholes Bass Club, Washington BASS Club, Columbia Basin Job Corps Center, Washington State Parks, Washington State Fish and Wildlife, and the Shriners Hospital for Children. Donations for the event have been provided by local businesses including: Coulee Playland Resort in Electric City, Tri State Outfitters in Moses Lake, Cascade Marina, Mar Don Resort, O'Sullivan Sportsman Resort, Othello Auto Parts, Sporty's Steakhouse, Loudon Ortho Sports and Coca-Cola Bottling Company. Medical support this year is being provided by Fire District No. 12 from Royal Slope.

For more information contact Margaret Schoneman at Reclamation's Ephrata Field Office at (509) 754-0211. In the event of rain, the C.A.S.T. Event will be canceled. For more information contact Margaret Schoneman at Reclamation's Ephrata Field Office at (509) 754-0211. In the event of rain, the C.A.S.T. Event will be canceled.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.

Relevant Link:

http://www.castforkids.org