“Since 1986, more than one million children in 50 states have been introduced to fishing, boating and conservation through their participation in these important national programs,” said F3 Executive Director Keith Sutton. “But sustaining these efforts requires hundreds of thousands of dollars each year to provide teacher training, program materials and staff support. It wouldn’t be possible without partners who provide financial assistance, including tournament fishing organizations such as Bass Pro Shops’ Crappie Masters Tournament Trail that have raised thousands of dollars to help fund F3’s vital kids fishing programs. Through their encouragement, we created the new Tournaments for Tomorrow program so tournament groups everywhere have a simple way for their members to make contributions as well. It’s a mutually beneficial arrangement—a win-win deal for the tournament organization, the Foundation, the fishing community and future generations.”

Each organization that enrolls agrees to raise funds by asking tournament participants to contribute an extra $5 to $10 per entry fee, or an amount of their choosing, to support F3 programs. Alternatively, the organization can “pass the hat” (or maybe pass a bait bucket!) at their opening events and ask for contributions. Members can give an amount that’s comfortable for them. And while individual donations may not be much more than the cost of a single fishing lure, some groups have raised hundreds of dollars at a single event, an important contribution that provides fishing experiences and education for dozens of children.

Upon enrollment in the program, the organization will be licensed to use the Future Fisherman Foundation “Proud Partner” logo in their publications and on their website to show their members support efforts to ensure the future of fishing. F3 also will send a special DVD the Tournaments for Tomorrow chairperson can use to show tournament participants and club members how their dollars will help. Each club will receive recognition for their participation in the Foundation newsletter and in the “Partners” section of the F3 website. Additionally, the Foundation will use their blog and Facebook pages to help publicize youth events held in conjunction with each organization’s tournaments.

“We’ve been contacted by dozens of tournament groups throughout the country that want to get involved with the Foundation’s youth outreach programs,” Sutton said. “Becoming part of our Tournaments for Tomorrow initiative is a great way they can show their support and let the world know they have the same mission we do—to provide quality fishing experiences for every child in America. Working together with the thousands of fishing clubs and competitive anglers around the country, we can make this dream a reality.”

For additional information about the Tournaments for Tomorrow program, including a downloadable enrollment form, visit the Future Fisherman Foundation’s website, or contact Keith Sutton at (703) 402-3623 or ksutton@futurefisherman.org.

Established in 1986, the Future Fisherman Foundation unites the sportfishing industry and a nationwide network of state outdoor educators, national conservation groups and youth organizations dedicated to introducing America’s youth to angling and the outdoors. These efforts help people of all ages have safe and enjoyable fishing experiences that foster conservation ethics.

Caitlin Connor. Photo courtesy USA Shooting.

Shooting in intense snowfall, Connor, the 2009 World Cup Minsk silver medalist, entered the final tied for third place at 69 out of 75 targets with two other shooters. In the final, Connor hit 20 out of 25 targets and ended the match tied for third place at 89 targets with Russian shooter Svetlana Demina. In the shoot-off for the bronze, Demina hit her target to secure the bronze, while Connor missed and finished just off the podium in fourth place.

Christine Wenzel of Germany, the 2008 Olympic bronze medalist and reigning World Champion, won today’s match after a shoot-off with Italy’s Katiuscia Spada. Wenzel finished the match with 90+2 hits after shooting 21 targets in the final, which was the highest final score of the day. Spada placed second winning the silver with 90+0 hits.

Kim Rhode.

Kim Rhode (El Monte, Calif.), a four-time Olympic medalist and 2009 World Cup Munich bronze and World Cup San Marino silver medalist, finished the day in eighth place with a match score of 66 targets.

Competition will conclude on Monday with the Men’s Skeet and Trap Finals. Vincent Hancock (Eatonton, Ga.), the 2008 Olympic gold medalist and 2009 World Champion, is currently holding third place in Men’s Skeet after today’s qualification with 73 out of 75 targets. Ryan Hadden (Pendleton, Ore), a double gold medalist on the 2009 World Cup circuit, is sitting in fifth place in Men’s Trap with 67 out of 75 targets.

For complete World Cup Final results, please visit ISSF’s website at www.issf-sports.org.

Winchester Ammunition is a Proud Sponsor of the USA Shooting Shotgun Team:
Winchester® Ammunition has been the exclusive ammunition sponsor and supplier of the USA Shooting Shotgun Team since 1999. Members of the 2008 shotgun team brought home four medals from Beijing using Winchester AA International Target loads. Winchester is an industry leader in advancing and supporting conservation, hunter education and our country’s proud shooting sports heritage. For more information about Winchester and its complete line of products, visit www.winchester.com.