In the year 2003, Deputy Rick Rhyne had a vision of a fishing tournament that would be open to all kids ages 3-16 in Moore County. His goal was to offer kids an opportunity to learn the great sport of fishing and for every child to walk away with a prize at the end of the day.
In 2011, Moore County unfortunately lost Deputy Rhyne, after he was killed in the line of duty. His wife, Wanda Rhyne, was determined to see this annual fishing tournament continue. As a result, the annual fishing tournament has now become known as the Memorial Fishing Tournament in memory and honor of Deputy Rick Rhyne.
For the past 11 years, children from all walks of Moore County have been invited to participate in a fun family fishing tournament thanks to the efforts of former Foxfire Chief of Police, late Deputy Rick Rhyne. The Foxfire Police Department, with the help of his wife, Wanda, coordinated this annual event because of their desire to see children and families enjoy being outside together, away from television, computers and video games.
After Rhyne was killed in the line of duty, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sandhills decided to honor Deputy Rhyne by continuing this free event on Sat. August 9, from 10:00 a.m.– 4 p.m. at Lake McKenzie at Foxfire. Wanda Rhyne, who is both a staff member and volunteer with the Boys & Girls Club of the Sandhillls is the coordinator of this event. Mike Campbell and Buzz Parker are also serving on the Memorial Fishing Tournament committee.
“Many of the 300 children that attend the Boys & Girls Clubs have never had the opportunity to catch a fish” said Caroline Eddy, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of the Sandhills. “This tournament will give children the chance to experience wildlife and engage in a sport that they can participate in for a lifetime.”
“Rick’s dream was to see kids engage in outdoor activities with their parents, get away from computers and to show them that there are other things to do that are fun” said Wanda Rhyne, Fishing Tournament Coordinator. “To see this fishing tournament actually happen continues his legacy of working with kids. In his words, ‘Any child who comes out and participates wins a prize, even if they don’t catch a fish’. “To date, we have been able to do this with the help of the community, sponsors and a large number of volunteers”.
Sponsors of this event include Buzz and Bonnie Parker, Performance Pre-Owned Vehicles of Southern Pines, Texas Roadhouse, Foxfire Village, Foxfire Sheriff’s Department. Foxfire Police Department, Moore County Sheriff’s Department, West End Fire Department, and the NC Wildlife and NC Inland Fisheries.
NC Inland Fisheries and the Southern Pines Parks and Recreation Department are providing many of the fishing poles that will be used that day. Families are encouraged to bring their own poles. If anyone has extras to share with kids that might not have one, please contact 692-0777.
Talbert’s BBQ will be providing food for each child and there will be food available for purchase. Exhibits include the Wildlife Mobile Aquarium and the Sensory Safari trailer and the Fire Safety trailer. Aberdeen Coca Cola is providing the water. Prizes will be awarded throughout the day, and every child will receive a prize. The day will end with a balloon release.
This fun filled day will be free to kids ages 3-16 including the following
· Experience the North Carolina Wildlife Sensory Trailer and Mobile Aquarium
· Tour various displays that will be onsite
· Every child who attends will receive a prize
· Rods and bait will be available, yet we encourage parents to bring what you have on hand
· The patch for the Boo design winner will be announced
Registration is requested by calling 692-07777. We are asking the community to join us in this effort, scheduled for Sat. Aug 9, 2014 by contributing items to be used for prizes or money to be helped in the purchase of small prizes. Deputy Rhyne wanted every child to leave with a prize. If you would like to volunteer or donate a prize please contact Wanda Rhyne or Caroline Eddy at the Boys & Girls Club at 692-0777.
Bea Fields
Development Director
Boys & Girls Club of the Sandhills
bfields@ncrrbiz.com
http://www.foreproperties.com/mp3/2014/June/Fishing-Tournament-6-25-14.mp3
