KIDS ALL-AMERICAN FISHING TEAM 2007
TULSA, Okla. (April 2, 2007) -- Hooked On Fishing International
(HOFI) is now accepting applications for the 2007 Kids All-American
Fishing Team. In its third year, the youth angler ambassador program
awards $5,000 scholarships and prizes to each of six exemplary
youngsters who show just as much passion for school and community
citizenship as they do for fishing.
The KAAF Team Scholarship and Ambassador Program is open to kids
nationwide, ages 8-14. While only six will be chosen to represent the
2007 team, every youngster who submits a complete application will
receive a free, colorful Kids All-American Fishing t-shirt featuring
Sebastian T. Bobber, the "Official Spokesbobber for Youth Fishing."
"We want to recognize all the young anglers who are doing great
things and making a positive impact in their communities," said
Daniel Johnson, HOFI president. "Kids who fish seem to learn the
values of patience, sharing and helping others at an early age, and
we want to encourage them to continue such positive activity."
Team selection is based on exceptional school and community
involvement, which can include helping with neighborhood food drives,
heading a litter clean-up campaign and participating in service and
leadership organizations. Former KAAF Team Ambassadors have been
involved in organizations such as Boy and Girl Scouts of America,
community support efforts, and fundraising activities like the
American Heart Association's "Jump for Heart!".
"These kids are today's role models and tomorrow's leaders, and we
want to reward them with scholarship funds and worthy recognition as
a gesture of our appreciation," Johnson said.
The application process is easy and much of it can be completed
on-line. Visit the program's Web site, www.kids-fishing.com, and
click on the "KAAF Team Program" button to start the process,
download a printable application or view eligibility requirements.
Applications must be received or postmarked by July 14, 2007, to be
eligible.
KAAF Team selection will be administered by an independent review
committee. The six young anglers named to the KAAF Team will be
announced in August 2007. Through their example, they will serve as
ambassadors for one full year. With the honor comes a $5,000 U.S.
Savings Bond for use in current or future education, a pro
angler-style fishing team jersey and a team trophy.
Winners will be presented with the scholarship and prizes at
ceremonies held at the nearest Wal-Mart store in their respective
hometowns. Each All-American Team Ambassador also is invited and
provided travel, with a parent, to participate in the Kids
All-American Fishing Challenge and Family Fishing Festival held next
summer. The event matches a KAAF Team Ambassador with a national
fishing pro angler in a series of friendly-competition fishing
contests. A recognition reception will also be held in honor of those
selected.
Additional information about the KAAF Team program is available at
the more than 1,800 sanctioned Wal-Mart Kids All-American Fishing
presented by Zebco on-water derbies scheduled for 2007. Most are held
in the month of June, National Kids Fishing Month. To find the closest
KAAF derby, use the online derby locator found on the organization's
Web site, kids-fishing.com.
The KAAF Team Scholarship & Ambassador program is made possible
through corporate partners known for community involvement and youth
programs. Partners include Wal-Mart Stores Inc., Zebco, Fujifilm,
Coppertone and Castrol.
HOFI, Inc., a Tulsa, Okla. company and the country's largest
organizer of youth fishing events is committed to promoting family
connections through the recreation of fishing. More than eight
million youngsters and their families have participated in the
program over its 20-year history at events held throughout all 50
states and at U.S. military bases as far away as England, Germany,
South Korea and Japan. Organizations and individuals interested in
learning more about the derby program and the KAAF Team are
encouraged to visit the Web site at www.kids-fishing.com.