(PEMBROKE, ON) - The Upper Ottawa Valley (UOV) Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) hosted their annual Kids, Cops and Canadian Tire Fishing Derby on Saturday August 10, 2024.
UOV OPP Officers and Auxiliary Officers, along with dedicated community volunteers, hosted the children's fishing derby at the Pembroke Waterfront. Under mostly sunny skies, 80 young anglers took part in the catch and release derby along the picturesque banks of the Ottawa River.
This event is sponsored by Canadian Tire, along with Fishing Forever which is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to funding worthwhile fishing, conservation, and education projects. It is also supported by Giant Tiger, The Pembroke UOV OPP Detachment Board, Police Association of Ontario, OPP Association, OPP Youth Foundation, The Pembroke Mall, Allan's Bait and Tackle, The Wholesale Club, and Renfrew County Crime Stoppers. The trophies for this year's event were generously sponsored by Dean Burchart of Royal Lepage Realty.
According to Bob Izumi, chair of Fishing Forever, there is nothing that puts a smile on a kid's face faster than catching a fish. "That's why I love to create opportunities for children and families to go fishing," states Izumi. "Fishing is one of the very best ways for parents and other adults to establish productive and healthy relationships with children."