“FISHIN’ WITH A MISSION”

F.O.C.A.S. KIDS’ DERBY GETS

KIDS HOOKED ON FISHING

The kids had a “mission” on July 16th at Bellevue Park, Belleville, IL and that was to catch the most fish and hope the total inches added up to more than the other young anglers at the pond. Over 100 kids with their families watching on with pride attended the Federation of Christian Anglers and Sportsmens (F.O.C.A.S.) eighth annual Kids Fishing Derby.

First place Children Division, Cortez Harris

Kids in three age categories, up to 7, 8-12 and 13-16 participated in the free community event at the park. Cortez Harris, age 7, won first place in the Childrens Division and wanted to ride his new bike all the way back to Washington Park, IL.

First Place 8-12 Youth Division, John Harbison

John Harbison, from Millsatdt, IL,age 12, after catching 19 fish won first place in the Youth Division and won a portable stereo.

First Place Senior Youth Division, Danyell Harris

Cortez’s big sister, Danyell, age 16, won first place in the Senior Youth Divison and also took home a portable stereo.

F.O.C.A.S.’ biggest sponsor, A Glorious Church Fellowship which is pastored by F.O.C.A.S. President, Rev. David Harbison puts on this annual community event. The goal is to provide families an opportunity to participate in the great sport of fishing, have a family outing that is affordable and allow families to spend time together.



Everything is provided for the young anglers to have a great day from rods, bait, hot dogs, drinks and lots of prizes. The F.O.C.A.S. paint ball and archery tents were also on site for the kids to experience these two activities. Draw prizes were awarded in all three age categories. The kids also earned “Fishin’ Bucks” throughout the derby and cashed them in for toys and candy at the end of the event.



Experienced anglers volunteered their time to Judge the event and spend all day around the pond, measuring fish, baiting hooks, untangling lines and praising the kids on their big catches. F.O.C.A.S. angler and derby judge Tom Davis said he was having as great a time as the kids were.



The time and effort of F.O.C.A.S. members, church members, F.O.C.A.S. anglers, and local business’ contributions help make this event a success. Thanks to Schnucks for the hot dogs, McDonalds for the drinks, Poppys Bait and Tackle, Belleville for the bait. Also, First Flight, Belleville for the bike, Open Seasons, Belleville for prizes and cash donations from First National Bank, Millstadt and West Point Bank, Belleville.

F.O.C.A.S. has two Illinois tournaments and one Missouri tournament left in their 2005 season. August 20th we will be on the Kaskaskia River in New Athens and on August 27th we will be fishing at Wappapello, launching from Red Man ramp. The last tournament before the Classic will be on September 17th on Lake Springfield. Participation in four tournaments meets the elgibility for fishing the Classic. For more information about F.O.C.A.S. tournaments call the office at (618) 235-6373.