News Release Archive

Reclamation Hosting Annual C.A.S.T. for Kids – Let’s Move Outside Event at Potholes State Park

Media Contact: Annette Ross, (208) 378-5322, aross@usbr.gov
Jennifer McConnell, jmcconnell@usbr.gov

For Release: July 29, 2013

C.A.S.T. for Kids FoundationMOSES LAKE, Wash. - Children with a wide range of disabilities will have the opportunity to reel in a good time as they join some enthusiastic volunteers during the C.A.S.T. for Kids fishing event on August 3 at Potholes Reservoir located 15 miles south of Moses Lake, Wash.

C.A.S.T., which stands for "Catch a Special Thrill," offers children with disabilities and terminal illnesses an opportunity to enjoy a day of fishing and boating. This C.A.S.T. event is also part of First Lady Michelle Obama's "Let's Move Outside" initiative. The First Lady's goal is to solve the problem of childhood obesity by encouraging children to increase physical activity on America's public lands and waterways, and eating healthier.

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

"This will be a first fishing experience for some of these kids," said Jennifer McConnell of the Bureau of Reclamation's Ephrata Field Office. "It is a great opportunity for volunteers to be part of a special experience that these children will remember for years to come."

The children range in age from 7-16 years old and have a variety of physical and/or developmental disabilities and some may suffer with a terminal illness. Each participant will receive fishing gear, a tee shirt, and a hat.

Local Potholes Bass Club members and the Columbia Basin Walleye Club 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 , Columbia Basin Walleye Club, Potholes Bass Club, Washington BASS Club, Columbia Basin Job Corps Center, Washington State Parks, Washington State Fish and Wildlife, and Grand Coulee Council Boy Scout Troup 24. Donations for the event were provided by local businesses including: Coulee Playland Resort, Costco, Cascade Marina, Harvest Foods, Richard & Karen Honey, Moses Lake FFA, Pautzker Bait Co., Safeway, Franz Family Bakery, Tonnemaker Family Orchard, Othello Auto Parts, Wal-Mart, Sporty's Steakhouse, and Potholes Sports Cafe. Medical support this year is provided by Fire District No. 12 from Royal Slope, Wash.

For more information about the August 3 event, contact Jennifer McConnell at (509) 754-0215. In case of rain, the C.A.S.T. event will be canceled. To find out more about the C.A.S.T. for Kids - Let's Move Outside events Region-wide, contact Shari Kohlbecker, Regional Coordinator at (208) 378-5050 or visit http://www.usbr.gov/pn/cast/ .

# # #

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.usbr.gov/pn/cast/

Let's Move Outside