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Pembrooke’s waterfront was filled with young anglers Saturday as the Upper Ottawa Valley OPP hosted its annual Kids, Cops and Canadian Tire Fishing Derby.
About 60 children took part in the catch-and-release event, enjoying a sunny and warm day along the Ottawa River with OPP officers, Auxiliary officers and community volunteers.
The event is sponsored by Fishing Forever, a not-for-profit organization supporting fishing, conservation and education projects. Organizers say fishing offers families an opportunity to build healthy relationships and create lasting memories.
Fishing Forever chair Bob Izumi says few things bring a smile to a child’s face faster than catching a fish, adding that creating opportunities for children and families to fish is a key goal of the organization.
The derby was also supported by the City of Pembroke, Police Services Board, Police Association of Ontario, Ontario Provincial Police Association, Canadian Tire and several local businesses and organizations.
(Richard Evans)
