NEWBERRY — In its 10th year of being hosted, the Enoree Wheelin’ Sportsman Fishing Rodeo welcomed 243 special needs children from as far as Lexington, Gilbert, Clinton and Newberry County schools for a fun-filled day of fishing.
The Rodeo, which is held in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and National Wild Turkey Federation, had 102 volunteers and dropped 2,000 pounds of fish in the pond. The land is owned by Clyde Brown.
Amy Hopper and District Ranger Mary Maercklein stressed that this event was about someone’s ability and not their disability. Hopper and Maercklein give special thanks to Newberry Electric Cooperative, numerous volunteers, church groups and sports teams, Lowe’s, Wilson Tractor and Hedgepath which donated equipment.
A thumbs up for a good catch!
Firing up the grill while the kids fish.
Inspecting the fish caught in the tub.
These kids are on a mission to catch some fish.
Who claims the fish if it’s caught on two lines?
Despite looming storms, it was a beautiful day to fish.
Waiting patiently to get a bite.
Volunteers preparing fishing poles for the kids.
Everyone can use a little help every now and then.
Whether you sit in a chair or throw down a blanket, everyone made themselves comfortable.
The excitement of catching a fish!
Kids coming off the buses to get busy fishing.
A tub full of fish that have already been caught.