BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (Aug 4, 2004) - Wal-Mart FLW Tour anglers David Lauer, J.T. Kenney, Bobby Curtis and Laura Aldridge will visit Children's Hospital in Birmingham Aug. 13 at 10 a.m. to visit with children who are patients at the hospital. The hospital visit coincides with the $1.5 million Wal-Mart FLW Tour Championship Boat and Outdoor Show taking place in Birmingham Aug. 11-14.
The anglers representing teams Snickers, Energizer and Castrol will visit with patients ranging in age from 5 to 18. Aside from signing autographs and providing a needed break for the children, Lauer, Kenney, Curtis and Aldridge hope to cultivate an appreciation of the environment by teaching about the conservation of fish habitat and being respectful of nature. The anglers will also take this opportunity explain why more than 52 million people pick up their rods and wet a line each year - because fishing is a fun, wholesome activity the entire family can enjoy. They will explain life as a pro angler and give the children a chance to ask questions. The visit is tailored to introduce the next generation of anglers to the wonderful world of fishing.
"One of the greatest blessings of being a pro angler is having the opportunity to give back to the community," said Lauer, a Snickers pro from South Bend, Ind. "Fishing is a sport that appeals to people of all ages, and it is an honor to get to share my favorite pastime with the kids at Children's Hospital in Birmingham."
Energizer pro Kenney, who hails from Frostburg, Md., concurs, saying, "These are special children who are definitely going to make special anglers. I sincerely hope that talking to them about fishing will make their day a little brighter."
Spotsticker Baits, a leader in community involvement in Birmingham through a youth angling-education program, helped coordinate the visit.
"The love of fishing is best started at a young age, and it is our privilege to talk to these young anglers at the Children's Hospital in Birmingham," said Glen Hamer of Spotsticker Baits. "As the sport of bass fishing continues to grow, it becomes increasingly important to teach children of all ages what it means to be conservation-minded. I for one can't wait to visit with these great kids."
Children's Health System (CHS) is a pediatric healthcare system in Alabama comprised of Children's Hospital and a statewide network of primary and specialty care offices. Children's Hospital is a private, not-for-profit hospital that treats ill and injured children from across the state, throughout the nation and around the world. The hospital is located at 1600 Seventh Ave. S. in Birmingham.
As part of its commitment to youth anglers, FLW Outdoors will present its popular Family Fun Zone during the FLW Tour Championship Boat and Outdoor Show at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex Aug. 11-14. The Fun Zone features fishing-themed games and activities for children of all ages. Show hours are 2 to 8 p.m. Aug. 11-12, noon to 9 p.m. Aug. 13 and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Aug. 14. Admission is free. Each day also features free giveaways for children 12 and under while supplies last. Aug. 11 is Hat and T-shirt Day, Aug. 12 is Tackle Kit Day, Aug. 13 is Tackle Box Day, and Aug. 14 is Rod and Reel Day.
Named after the legendary founder of Ranger Boats, Forrest L. Wood, FLW Outdoors is the world's leading marketer of competitive fishing. It administers the Wal-Mart FLW Tour, the world's most lucrative bass-tournament series; the EverStart Series, known as the pathway to the Wal-Mart FLW Tour; the Wal-Mart Bass Fishing League for weekend anglers; and the Wal-Mart Texas Tournament Trail. FLW Outdoors also operates the Wal-Mart RCL Walleye Tour, the world's most lucrative walleye-tournament series, and the Wal-Mart RCL Walleye League for weekend anglers.
For more information on Children's Hospital of Birmingham, call (205) 939-9100 or log on to chsys.org. For more information about FLW Outdoors, visit the organization's Web site at FLWOutdoors.com or call (270) 252-1000.
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