Fishing News - 1/17/02
HOOKED ON FISHING INT’L GETS RETAILER'S INCREASED SUPPORT
Wal-Mart ups its support for Kids All-American Fishing Derbies
KETCHUM, OK - Last year more than 100,000 youngsters fished, many for the first time, in a Kids All-American Fishing Derby. In 2002 the number of young derby anglers will grow to nearly 400,000, thanks to a major commitment to the program by Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. The announcement was made by Gordon Holland, executive director of Hooked on Fishing International (HOFI), the Ketchum, Oklahoma organization that has, for sixteen years, managed the derby program that introduces the sport of fishing to young people.
"Wal-Mart has asked us to organize a derby in communities where there is a Wal-Mart store," said Holland. The majority of the events will be held Saturday, June 8, during National Fishing and Boating Week, and will conclude Wal-Mart's new Take a Kid Fishing Week activities consisting of parking lot casting and reeling contests, coloring contests and scavenger hunts. These efforts are in conjunction with the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation's "Water Works Wonders" campaign. The RBFF is instrumental in coordinating National Fishing & Boating Week, June 1-9, 2002.
"Thanks to the support and the commitment of the supplier sponsors and the Kids All-American Fishing Derby program, this will be the most exciting kids' fishing event that Wal-Mart has ever conducted," said Mike McFadden, VP DMM, Sporting Goods, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Last year the program provided materials to and was involved with over 700 derbies in all 50 states with support by its title sponsor, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., and more than a dozen other companies with prominent brands.
Adult groups interested in organizing a local derby can get information from the HOFI web site - www.kids-fishing.com, or by requesting information via email at info@kids-fishing.com, or by writing Hooked On Fishing International, P O Box 660, Ketchum, OK 74349.
