Published: May 11, 2010
Updated: 8:42 a.m.
Slide show: Disabled kids get sportfishing experience
Submitted by ROXANN POPE
Thirty-three children with disabilities set sail off Dana Point on Saturday for a rare ocean fishing experience in a trip presented by the nonprofit organization Fish for Life.
"I caught a fish and saw so many dolphin," said Alexander Silcock, 14, of Huntington Beach. "It was so fun!"
David Silcock, 12, shows a fish he caught off the Dana Point coast Saturday during a trip presented by Fish for Life.
Silcock, accompanied by his brothers, David, 12, and Jordan, 13, had never been on a boat before. The trio joined other kids with disabilities such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism and Down syndrome aboard Dana Wharf's 95-foot Dana Pride after a red-carpet journey to the boat.
"We wanted the kids to feel exceptionally special, so we rolled out the red carpet for them," said Fish for Life founder Jim Holden. "Our goal was to give these kids an adventure they wouldn't typically get to enjoy – a day on the ocean catching fish and experiencing all of its wonders, including dolphin, birds, sea lion and the motion and beauty of the ocean."
Bonnie Smith, whose son Chris was on the voyage, said: "It means so much to families like ours to know that people care. We do not live typical lives and find even the most ordinary tasks to be challenging sometimes. Fish for Life looked beyond the obstacles to see the value in the experience, and expanded the horizons of so many in the process."
Janelle Bentancourt, whose son Elias, 16, has cerebral palsy, said, "Going through the huge pod of dolphin just made his day."
Capistrano Beach resident Tim Egar, a fishing team leader on the trip, said: “I definitely got more than I gave today. These kids live in the here and now ... they just enjoy the moment - the moment they caught their first fish or saw their first pod of dolphin. This was an incredible experience for me.”
The event was co-sponsored by Friends of Rollo, a nonprofit that provides ocean adventures for more than 50,000 children annually throughout Southern California.
Artist Wyland, who donated signature prints of marine life for the event, told the crowd, "You are all such incredible kids, and I hope you find your love of the ocean like I have."
Hurley, Nike, Quest Software, United Cerebral Palsy, Volcom, Henry's Market, Ralphs, Albertsons, Bagel Shack and Billy's Deli also supported the event through donations of prizes and giveaways, including jackets, sweat shirts, hats, visors and lunch pails, Holden said.
Fish for Life is seeking sponsors for future events. For more information about the organization, visit www.fishforlife.com.
Updated: 8:42 a.m.
Slide show: Disabled kids get sportfishing experience
Submitted by ROXANN POPE
Thirty-three children with disabilities set sail off Dana Point on Saturday for a rare ocean fishing experience in a trip presented by the nonprofit organization Fish for Life.
"I caught a fish and saw so many dolphin," said Alexander Silcock, 14, of Huntington Beach. "It was so fun!"
David Silcock, 12, shows a fish he caught off the Dana Point coast Saturday during a trip presented by Fish for Life.
Silcock, accompanied by his brothers, David, 12, and Jordan, 13, had never been on a boat before. The trio joined other kids with disabilities such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism and Down syndrome aboard Dana Wharf's 95-foot Dana Pride after a red-carpet journey to the boat.
"We wanted the kids to feel exceptionally special, so we rolled out the red carpet for them," said Fish for Life founder Jim Holden. "Our goal was to give these kids an adventure they wouldn't typically get to enjoy – a day on the ocean catching fish and experiencing all of its wonders, including dolphin, birds, sea lion and the motion and beauty of the ocean."
Bonnie Smith, whose son Chris was on the voyage, said: "It means so much to families like ours to know that people care. We do not live typical lives and find even the most ordinary tasks to be challenging sometimes. Fish for Life looked beyond the obstacles to see the value in the experience, and expanded the horizons of so many in the process."
Janelle Bentancourt, whose son Elias, 16, has cerebral palsy, said, "Going through the huge pod of dolphin just made his day."
Capistrano Beach resident Tim Egar, a fishing team leader on the trip, said: “I definitely got more than I gave today. These kids live in the here and now ... they just enjoy the moment - the moment they caught their first fish or saw their first pod of dolphin. This was an incredible experience for me.”
The event was co-sponsored by Friends of Rollo, a nonprofit that provides ocean adventures for more than 50,000 children annually throughout Southern California.
Artist Wyland, who donated signature prints of marine life for the event, told the crowd, "You are all such incredible kids, and I hope you find your love of the ocean like I have."
Hurley, Nike, Quest Software, United Cerebral Palsy, Volcom, Henry's Market, Ralphs, Albertsons, Bagel Shack and Billy's Deli also supported the event through donations of prizes and giveaways, including jackets, sweat shirts, hats, visors and lunch pails, Holden said.
Fish for Life is seeking sponsors for future events. For more information about the organization, visit www.fishforlife.com.
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