ATHENS-The annual City of Athens Relay for Life Bass Fishing Tournament is luring the interest of other businesses that want to be a part of fighting cancer.
With those businesses’ partnerships, this year’s tournament offers the most prize money in its history. This year, anglers can win a total of $9,000 in prize money for first through 10th place.
Registration for the annual tournament kicks off Wednesday, Feb. 7, at 8 a.m. with registration forms available on Active.com, the city’s website at www.athensal.us and at Athens City Hall, Athens Utilities on Wilkinson Street and West End Outdoors. The tournament is April 7 at Ingalls Harbor in Decatur from safelight to 3 p.m.
“Two businesses reached out to our team with offers to support our efforts this year,” said Team Captain Holly Hollman.
Holly Hollman
She said WOW!, a local internet, TV and phone provider, is sponsoring the WOW! Top Fishing Team grand prize for $4,000. That more than doubles what Relay for Life has been able to award for first place.
“WOW! is committed to community involvement and will be on hand to make a check presentation to the top fishing team,” Hollman said.
In addition to WOW!, Eric White with Grassy Custom Rods and Tackle is donating a set of custom-made rods valued at $500 for the first place team.
“That means the top team can take home $4,000 and custom rods, not bad for a day of fishing,” Hollman said. “For Relay for Life, it means we can lure more anglers to register for our tournament and increase the amount we make and donate to the American Cancer Society for lodging, research, support and more.”
This is the seventh annual tournament hosted by the City of Athens Relay for Life Team. The tournaments have raised over $47,000 in the fight against cancer.
A local fishing club, Limestone Lunkers, assists the city’s Relay Team with a weigh trailer and volunteers. The late Al Dutton with Limestone Lunkers helped start the tournament and died from cancer the weekend of the second annual event.
“This tournament holds a special place in our team members’ hearts because Al helped us create it and make it our largest fundraiser, and then we lost him cancer,” Hollman said. “Cancer can impact anyone, but our team refuses to give up the fight because we want to honor Al and those who have fought and continue to fight.”
Early registration is $100 and registration the day of is $110 cash. Lunch will be provided to registered boaters, and there will be a drawing for door prizes to be given away to registered boaters.
To join WOW! and Grassy Custom Rods and Tackle in supporting the tournament with a sponsorship or door prizes, email Hollman at hhollman@athensal.us.
