Foundation hosts Unified Fishing Derby
As pro anglers take to Lake Ouachita for the 2018 Forrest Wood Cup, local youth anglers and Special Olympics athletes will participate in the Unified Fishing Derby Aug. 11.
Hosted by Fishing League Worldwide Foundation Pro Cody Kelley, the Unified Fishing Derby will take place at Family Park, 215 Family Park Road, and is open to anyone younger than 18 years old and Special Olympics athletes.
Kelley said the idea originated four years ago, when the Forrest Wood Cup was last hosted in Hot Springs. The pro said he had a good relationship with Special Olympics Arkansas and the idea to hold a fishing derby for athletes and youths has since become a staple of
every stop along the FLW’s circuit.
“It’s completely free for our youth to participate, we supply the bait, and it’s just a really good time,” he said.
The first 100 participants signed up will receive a goody bag and equipment if needed. Participants are encouraged to bring chairs, life jackets, sunscreen, hats, snacks and drinks. An adult or legally authorized caregiver must accompany all participants and sign a waiver form, according to the event flyer.
“One thing that’s kind of cool is that our top two winners will get called up on the main stage later that afternoon right before the pros do,” Kelley said.
Kelley said oftentimes the derby is held in communities where many of the youths are not involved in the outdoors, making the event more memorable.
“In every community we have done this in, we usually have youth that either catch their first fish ever or their largest fish,” he said. “It’s always neat and rewarding to see.”
Kelley said the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission will be stocking the pond at Family Park the night before the derby to ensure the fishing is good.
Registration will open at 8 a.m., but Kelley said preregistration is also available by contacting judith.allen@flwfishing.com.
The Forrest Wood Cup will return to Hot Springs Aug. 10-12 with events in and around the Hot Springs Convention Center each day. At 4 p.m. on Aug. 12, Poyen native and country music star, Justin Moore, will take to the stage for a free concert at Bank of the Ozarks Arena.