Disabled kids enjoy fishing camp

POTHOLES STATE PARK - Children with a wide range of disabilities will have the chance to get out and enjoy the outdoors, and maybe even snag a fish or two.

The C.A.S.T. program, which stands for "Catch a Special Thrill," offers children with disabilities a day to have fun fishing at Potholes State Park south of Moses Lake.

"This may be the first fishing experience for some of these kids," U.S. Bureau of Reclamation spokeswoman Margaret Schoneman said. "This is a great opportunity for us to be part of a special experience that these children will remember for a lifetime."

Each participant will receive fishing gear, a T-shirt and a hat, she said.

Children ages 7-16 will take part in events throughout the Northwest over the next month, including Potholes.

The events run in coordination with the first lady Michele Obama's "Let's Move Outside" initiative, which helps solve the problem of childhood obesity by encouraging children to be more active in outdoor activities.

Local Potholes Bass Club members and the Columbia Basin Walleye Club will lend a hand to novice anglers, and the Culinary Arts Class of the Columbia Basin Job Corps Center will make lunch.

More information is available at (208) 378-5050.