Reeling in the fun at Arcadia Lake
EDMOND — Visually impaired fishermen reeled in some fun during an activity called Hooks, Oars and S'mores at Arcadia Lake.
"It is not that we cannot do things, it is just that we have to find new ways to do things," said Debbie Sanders, head of the sponsoring organization, the My Limitless Vision Foundation.
Participants gathered at the lake on Saturday to fish and strike up conversations with other visually impaired people.
"With other blind people, you feel a connection," said Ashley DeLanney, 30, of Oklahoma City.
More than 20 people showed up for activities, including fishing at the Arcadia Conservation Ponds, boat rides on Arcadia Lake and a fish fry with some of the fish caught that day.
"I do not have a lot of people who can take me out and do things like this," said Gordan Besaw, 55, of Oklahoma. "I am a thrill-seeker, and I love to do things."
Besaw said he would go skydiving if there was a way for him to do so. He said he is sensitive to light and has to wear dark sunglasses throughout the day and only can see shadows.
Volunteers helped bait the hooks, using donated worms and fishing poles. Sanders hopes to hold the event every year in June.
"It is a new challenge for me," said Gaylon Young, 46, of Midwest City. Young said he has about 10 percent of his vision and used an eye scope to watch the fishing bobber move before he reeled in a possible catch.
"It was literally overnight that I lost my vision," Young said. "It means that you do not give up."
Many of the fishermen said their vision has been gone for years, and they are not able to get out as much, but that has not stopped them from living life.
"In college my vision decided to take a permanent vacation," DeLanney said.
Before she lost her vision, she went fishing with her grandfather. She said reliving such memories and getting out of the house are helpful.
Sanders worked with members of three Lions Clubs to provide transportation for participants.
Other activities this year will include a trip to the Jenks Aquarium on June 26, a Braum's tour in Tuttle and a ride on the Quartz Mountain Flyer in October. The organization has been active since 2013.
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife, along with Cockrell Eye Care, the Retired Senior Volunteer Program and several other organizations helped sponsor the food and other items for the event.