The Eighth Annual Fishin' at the Harbor April 29, sponsored by Horton's Orthotic Lab Inc., Little Rock, Arkansas, was an enjoyable day for children with disabilities, despite thunderstorms that reduced the event's attendance. "Many children with physical disabilities never get a chance to get outdoors and experience Arkansas' wonderful fishing," said Gary Horton, CO, FAAOP, owner of Horton's Orthotic Lab. "They often see their siblings and friends participating in all sorts of outdoor sporting events, and find themselves relegated to the role of spectator." The main focus of the fishing event, held at the Mountain Harbor Resort, is placed on the children with disabilities. "While parents and siblings are encouraged to come and participate, our main attention is given to our specially invited children," Horton said. "Instead of merely watching others having fun, they are involved as active participants." Fishin' at the Harbor is a free event. The day including fishing instructions given by the Maumelle Bass Club, free lunch provided by Subway, and trophies, which were awarded to the three youngsters who caught the most fish. About 30 children with disabilities participated. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission stocked the pond and also donated prizes, including fishing poles, and tackle boxes for the derby winners. Over 150 lb. of catfish were caught, with the first-place winner reeling in a whopper weighing 47 lb.
The Eighth Annual Fishin' at the Harbor April 29, sponsored by Horton's Orthotic Lab Inc., Little Rock, Arkansas, was an enjoyable day for children with disabilities, despite thunderstorms that reduced the event's attendance. "Many children with physical disabilities never get a chance to get outdoors and experience Arkansas' wonderful fishing," said Gary Horton, CO, FAAOP, owner of Horton's Orthotic Lab. "They often see their siblings and friends participating in all sorts of outdoor sporting events, and find themselves relegated to the role of spectator." The main focus of the fishing event, held at the Mountain Harbor Resort, is placed on the children with disabilities. "While parents and siblings are encouraged to come and participate, our main attention is given to our specially invited children," Horton said. "Instead of merely watching others having fun, they are involved as active participants." Fishin' at the Harbor is a free event. The day including fishing instructions given by the Maumelle Bass Club, free lunch provided by Subway, and trophies, which were awarded to the three youngsters who caught the most fish. About 30 children with disabilities participated. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission stocked the pond and also donated prizes, including fishing poles, and tackle boxes for the derby winners. Over 150 lb. of catfish were caught, with the first-place winner reeling in a whopper weighing 47 lb.