For as long as I can remember, my dad was talking about fishing. My first experience was as early as 2 years old, and I was hooked (quite literally; as I dumped dad’s tackle box into the water).
Years later, dad joined the BassMasters of Crawford County and began fishing competitively. I often joined him for the “Buddy Tournaments” and attended his weigh-ins. I enjoyed the atmosphere and attitudes of the other members of the BassMasters. The camaraderie between these fishermen was palpable.
Not so surprisingly, dad and I were fishing together when the idea of the “community integration tournament” was born. Our conversation went something like this:
Dad: “I sure do love you, kiddo. I’m glad you’re fishing with me today.”
Me: “I love you too, dad. I was thinking this would be so fun for the (handicapped) people I work with.”
Dad: “Why couldn’t we do it? I bet the guys would have a blast.”
And there it was, the budding infrastructure of the Community Integration Tournament. The majority of the residents at the Quality Living Center (QLC), a nonprofit Personal Care Home, suffer from some form of mental or physical disability. Combining the residents of QLC with friends from the Aktion Club of Crawford County, (a Kiwanis sponsored organization for adults with disabilities) created a special group of individuals who were more than excited to ride on a boat and go bass fishing.
On Aug. 26, 2006, as the fog rolled off the water, the rising sun illuminated the faces of 11 very excited amateur anglers preparing for the 3rd Annual Community Integration Tournament. The members of the BassMasters of Crawford County volunteer their time, their experience, and their equipment for this unique, four-hour fishing tournament. No money is involved; the idea is simply to share the love of fishing. Prior to launch, the riders were reminded that life jackets must be worn at all times when on the boats, and the anglers were reminded that they may hook a fish, but their rider must reel it in.
At 11:00 a.m., 11 boats began their parade out of the water. As each individual team gathered their fish together for the weigh-in, an excitement as thick as the early morning fog filled the air. FLW Tour pro Dave Lefebre, his Keebler emblazoned boat in tow, came to watch the weigh in. His interest in these novice anglers was sincere, equivalent to their interest in him. As each team stepped forward to weigh their catch, their competitors cheered them on.
Trophies for first, second, third and big “Lunker” fish were presented thanks to the kindness of Kevin and Patty Polley, owners of Tussey Mountain Custom Kitchens. Jon Greenwald, manager of Vocelli’s Pizza arranged the donation of pizzas for the celebration. The FLW Outdoors organization was kind enough to send many sponsorship items for the event, including FLW hats, National Guard t-shirts and Fuji cameras. Barbara Kingsley, activity director at QLC and Donna Johnson, Aktion club supervisor, beautifully orchestrated the details of this event.
As the photographs of the tournament now line the walls of my office, I cannot help but smile as I see their faces. Barbara Kingsley, summed it up best saying, “for Shirley Prado and Eric Shull, this trip became a permanent memory because it was the first time either one of them had ever been on a boat. For the others, they’ll continue to talk about the great time they had, and can’t wait for next year’s tournament. This has really enriched the lives of these residents.”