Professional anglers will guide kids to “Catch a Special Thrill” Sept. 15

Leesylvania State Park, in Woodbridge, will host Catch a Special Thrill (C.A.S.T.) Kids’ Fishing charity event for the sixth year on Saturday, Sept. 15. Thirty children ages 5-14 will visit the park and go fishing with volunteer professional anglers from large bass boats on the Potomac River. Included in the day’s events will be water safety, boating, and natural resource demonstrations. The event will be followed by an award ceremony with engraved plaques and a special luncheon for all participants.

The C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation is a public charity that was formed in 1991 by Executive Director Jim Owens to join volunteers with disabled children for a day of fishing in the outdoors. The program is designed to give children with special needs and their caretakers the opportunity to leave their problems on shore and enjoy a day of fishing with professional bass fishermen.  Owens will be traveling across the nation from his home in Renton, Washington, to support and to be a part of the park’s special event. With 30 states holding C.A.S.T events, the numbers are growing every year to affect the lives of over 1,500 children.

According to a news release, the event is made possible by the generous contributions, donations, and support from local volunteers, such as the Friends of Leesylvania, corporate sponsors Wal-Mart, LOWES, federal and local agencies and community organizations such as Woodbridge and Mason Neck Lions Clubs, Tournament Bass Fishermen, New Horizons Bass Anglers, Virginia Bass Federation, Potomac Bass Masters of Virginia, and the Concerned Bass Anglers of Virginia.

For more information about Leesylvania State Park activities and amenities, call the Leesylvania State Parks Visitor Center at 703-583-6904 or visit http://www.virginiastateparks.gov.