Photo supplied by Pixabay
Children will have the chance to cast a line alongside local police officers this weekend as the annual Kids, Cops and Canadian Tire Fishing Derby returns to Pembroke.
The Upper Ottawa Valley detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police will host the catch-and-release event on Saturday, Aug. 8, at Pembroke Waterfront Park.
The free derby is open to children aged 12 and under and runs from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. at the waterfront on the day of the event. Organizers say there is no advance registration, and participation will be limited to the first 100 youth who sign up.
Young anglers are encouraged to bring their own fishing rods, reels and bait, along with an adult companion.
Prizes and giveaways will be available throughout the morning, with awards presented for the largest fish caught in several age categories.
The event is sponsored by Fishing Forever, a not-for-profit organization that supports fishing, conservation and education initiatives. Additional support comes from Canadian Tire, Dean Burchart of Royal LePage Edmonds & Associates, the Pembroke Police Service Board, the OPP Youth Foundation, the Ontario Provincial Police Association, the Police Association of Ontario, The Wholesale Club, Renfrew County Crime Stoppers and Allan’s Bait and Tackle.
Fishing Forever chair Bob Izumi said introducing children to fishing helps create lasting family memories and strengthens relationships between adults and youth.
“There’s nothing that puts a smile on a kid’s face faster than catching a fish,” Izumi said. “Fishing is one of the very best ways for parents and other adults to establish productive and healthy relationships with children.”
(Steve Berard)
