Hundreds of youth and their families came together to take part in first-annual Sunbury Christian Church, Village of Sunbury and Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation Fishing Derby in late April. Held at the Sunbury Christian Church and Sunbury Reservoir, the derby featured fishing pole giveaways, hands-on lessons of how to cast, tie knots, handle fish and even how to clean and prep the catch.
Despite ugly skies and high winds, 210 youth had a great morning of fishing with their community, eating delicious food and winning prizes. Awards were handed out to the three biggest fish and one for the smallest fish.
The reservoir was stocked with trout the night before the big event and volunteers were on hand to share their centuries of wisdom and skill with young and old alike. Volunteers from Sunbury Christian Church, Columbus Bassmasters, Walnut Springs Fishing Club and Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation all volunteered to help for the day.
“This was the first combined effort between Sunbury Christian Church and Village of Sunbury, and it far exceeded our expectations,” said Frank Price, Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation director of education. “We hope this is the first of many opportunities to work with both of these parties in the future.”
Recruitment and coordination of knowledgeable volunteers played a key role in the success of the community event, and those volunteers helped introduce families to fishing heritage.
“Sunbury Christian Church really was amazed at the level of support that the Sportsmen’s Alliance provided this year’s fishing derby. They helped communicate with other clubs and organizations, as well helped recruit volunteers, and that made all the difference in the experience,” said Shawn Dawson, a coordinator and volunteer for Sunbury Christian Church. “At one point in the day, I asked a group of volunteers that Sportsmen’s Alliance had recruited if they would help a father and his two kids that had never fished before and they were more than glad to help. They somewhat adopted the family for the day, and I saw two of the children catch their very first fish!”
Don’t miss out on another chance to fish with Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation. On June 16 at the Sunbury Reservoir, the Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation and Big Walnut Conservation Club will host another fishing derby. You can register by CLICKING HERE.
About the Sportsmen’s Alliance: The Sportsmen’s Alliance protects and defends America’s wildlife conservation programs and the pursuits – hunting, fishing and trapping – that generate the money to pay for them. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation is responsible for public education, legal defense and research. Its mission is accomplished through several distinct programs coordinated to provide the most complete defense possible. Stay connected to Sportsmen’s Alliance: Online, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.