National Contest Encourages Youngsters to Fish, Photograph & Release

KETCHUM, OK ­ Allison Kambic, age 7 , of New Lenox, IL, Jordyn Willick, age 7, of Ludington, MI, and Leo Azizi, age 9, of Ketchikan, AK, were declared grand prize, first runner-up and second runner-up winners respectively in Fujifilm’s 2001 "FPR" (Fish, Photograph & Release) Photo Contest.

The winning entries were selected because of the quality and creativity of their catch-and-release photos and the creativity shown in a short essay based on the question, "Why I Love to Fish and Why Fish Should be Returned to the Water." "U.S. Savings Bonds in the amount of $1,000, $500.00 and $250.00 will be awarded to Kambic, Willick, and Azizi respectively," announced Cindy Bogan, National Account Manager at Fujifilm.

The winners were chosen from entries submitted by young anglers who participated in more than 700 Kids All-American Fishing Derby events nationwide in 2001 or who obtained an entry form from the derby web site, http://www.kids-fishing.com.

"We congratulate these fine youngsters and all the entrants in this contest," said Bogan. "Fish, Photograph & Release" is an innovative way for young people to try their hand at fishing and at the same time learn about preserving the environment."

Gordon Holland, director of Hooked On Fishing International, the parent organization for the Kids All-American Fishing Derby program, said "We have enjoyed having Fujifilm as a sponsor in our program and are totally delighted to have them involved in such a fine promotion, encouraging youngsters and their families to have an added respect for the environment through conservation efforts."

More than 100,000 youngsters fished in the Kids All-American Fishing Derby events this year. HOFI and its local partners are looking to break that record in 2002 by signing up even more adult groups to organize and staff derbies in their communities. Interested organizations may go online at www.kids-fishing.com and request an application/information form for the 2002 program. The fishing derby kit includes everything from handouts for the kids and product samples for prizes, to a widely acclaimed instruction booklet and promotional materials for the organizer.

"Any qualified organization with an interest in helping youth may participate," Holland said. In previous years hosting organizations have included public and private agencies including state fish and game departments, parks and recreation departments, chambers of commerce. YMCA’s, angling clubs, scouting groups, civic and service organizations, and the U. S. Forest Service.

The 2002 season of the Kids All-American Fishing Derby will mark the sixteenth year that Hooked On Fishing International has sanctioned the celebrated youth program with the support of America’s top companies, led by title sponsor Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Sponsoring brands for 2001 include Berkley Powerbait, Berkley Trilene, Dubble Bubble Bubble Gum, Eagle Claw, FishingWorld.com, Frito-Lay, Fujifilm U.S.A., G3 Boats, Laker by Jadico, Pepsi, Southwest Airlines, Water Gremlin and Zebco.