News Release Archive

Kids Gear Up for a 'Reel' Good Time at the Annual C.A.S.T. for Kids Fishing Event at Strawberry Reservoir

Media Contact: Lisa Iams, 801-524-3673, 08/10/2011 15:24

For Release: August 10, 2011

Over 40 children and their families are gearing up for the 15th annual Catch a Special Thrill fishing event for kids in Utah to be held at Strawberry Reservoir on Saturday, August 13, hosted by the Bureau of Reclamation's Upper Colorado Region, and as part of the "Let's Move Outside" program.

This year, over 33 sponsors and participating organizations along with over 90 volunteers will support this event which provides disabled and disadvantaged children between the ages of 7 - 16 the opportunity to enjoy a day of boating and fishing. Local volunteers provide the use of their fishing boats and expertise to give the kids a day they will remember for a lifetime.

Reclamation first became involved with the C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation in 1991, when it was initially formed. The success of the first event at Banks Lake in eastern Washington for both the participating children and the community, resulted in a rapid expansion of supporting/sponsoring agencies and an increase in the number of events offered. In 2011, 48 events will be held in 18 states across the nation, including one in Washington, DC.

Reclamation has remained a C.A.S.T. sponsor since 1991 with all five of its regions hosting events throughout the 17 Western states each year. C.A.S.T for Kids provides an opportunity for children with disabilities and their families as well as disadvantaged children and their parents/caretakers to spend a day on the water with volunteer anglers learning to fish. The C.A.S.T. Foundation's goal is to provide this experience for children who might otherwise never have the opportunity, while simultaneously providing the opportunity for volunteers to gain a new appreciation for people living with impairments, or in less than ideal situations.

The success of C.A.S.T. for Kids fishing events is made possible thanks to the continued support of the many sponsors, partner organizations and volunteers who donate significant time, money, equipment, and supplies to make the event a day to remember for the kids.

The Strawberry fishing event will begin in the morning at 7:30 a.m. Participants should arrive early so they can check-in and receive their fishing gear and be partnered with an angler and boat. After a couple of hours on the water, a lunch will be provided by the Weber Basin Job Corps Center followed by an awards ceremony.

Additional fishing boats are still needed for this event to accommodate all of the participants. If you wish to volunteer the use of a boat and your time to support this event, please contact Valerie Heath-Harrison at 801-524-3664. For more information on C.A.S.T. for Kids

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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.