PR campaigns class to host benefit fishing tournament

(Tahlequah, OK)--On April 9, 2011, Northeastern State Universitys public relations campaigns class will hold a Fish for a Cause fishing tournament to help raise money for the Special Olympics. In the past this class has organized projects to benefit the Boys and Girls Club, the NSU Foundation Scholarship and rural firefighters.

This is a student-run event and I think this class has been the best class to come up with an idea, said Dr. Dana Eversole, professor of mass communication. We always strive to do something different and better than the previous year.

Fish for a cause will take place at Cherokee Landing State Park on Lake Tenkiller. The tournament will begin at 7 a.m. and weigh in will be at 3 p.m.

Considering the area we live in, fishing is a huge deal to the surrounding communities, said Jon James, Valliant senior and event director. Lake Tenkiller holds several tournaments that people travel from all over just to take part in.

James said, people who don't fish may not realize the impact of fishing, but there are a lot of people that fish for fun and competitively.

Its not just fishing its a sport and people love sports, said James.

Registration fees for the tournament are $250 per boat for a two man team. The top five anglers are guaranteed a cash prize with cash amounts dependant on the number of entries. Twenty percent of the proceeds will be donated to Special Olympics.

I never realized how in need of help the Special Olympics really are, said James. This event could generate more awareness for them by bringing in a new group of supporters that maybe wasn't so aware of it before.

Special Olympics is a global organization that serves more than 3.4 million athletes with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics hosts global, state and local competitions.

Being part of Special Olympics is one of our most gratifying life experiences. If you can imagine an athletic competition where everyone has the opportunity to perform and excel to the best of their ability, this is the place, said Tahlequah Special Olympics head coaches Marjie Dowling and Ruth Poteete.

Dowling and Poteete said while students compete they are also developing character, confidence, self-esteem, school pride and fitness.

The new Special Olympics logo is IM A FAN, said Dowling and Poteete. As we have watched athletes swim, throw softballs, run, support their teammates and enjoy every minute of competition, we ask you, who could not BE A FAN?

So grab rods, reels, poles and lures and come compete in Fish for a Cause to claim a place among the top five, while raising money for the Special Olympics.

We would appreciate any support so our program can continue serving the needs of special athletes, allowing them the opportunity to participate and proudly represent Tahlequah Public Schools, said Dowling and Poteete.

For more information call event director James at (405) 612-6224.