Special Olympics Fishing Derby

The Fishing Derby, organized by DTU members in collaboration with the Lancaster Special Olympics, took place on Saturday, June 17th. The event was hosted at Hugh Wenger's residence in Elizabethtown and planned by lead organizers Hugh, Claire Landis (President of DTU), and Tony Watts (member of the Special Olympics Leadership Team). A total of 10 Olympians, accompanied by their guests, participated in the derby, receiving assistance from 29 dedicated DTU volunteers.

The PA Fish and Boat Commission generously provided fishing rods, while Kinsey's Outdoors store supplied the bait. To facilitate the smooth movement of supplies and assist guests, Messick's Equipment offered a utility transport vehicle. Andy Desko, Aquatic Resource Program Specialist from PA F&BC, acquired a special fishing event permit and provided guidance for the event.

The derby commenced at 9 a.m. on the well-stocked pond, showcasing the contestants' impressive angling skills. They successfully caught a variety of species, including catfish, bluegills, and smallmouth bass. By noon, the Olympians had collectively reeled in over 140 fish, with Caroline Whitson leading the pack by catching an impressive 25 fish.

The attendees had the delightful opportunity to observe the vibrant red-winged blackbirds, listen to the croaking bullfrogs, and catch glimpses of turtles surfacing from the water. At noon, Stan Shenk, a dedicated member of the chapter, and his crew graciously served lunch to all the participants. The meal was accompanied by snacks provided by Utz and Pepperidge Farm.

Click to read the Mayflyer Newsletter for more articles and updates.