TOURNAMENT ANECDOTES 



Stories abound about humanitarian efforts at the 

 tournament. 



One year, a participant dropped his cane off the dock 

 while fishing, says Ed Shivers, past district governor of the 

 Lions Clubs in North Carolina. 



"A swimmer tried to retrieve it but was unable," he 

 adds. "However, a surfer came to the rescue. He retrieved 

 the cane and passed it to the swimmer who returned it to 

 the owner." 



The tournament also has brought joy to many 

 participants. 



One year, a gentleman from Bertie County had tears 

 running down his face as he held a trophy, according to Sally 

 Syria, chief of the division's independent living and medical 

 services. "He said, Til be back next year.' " 



For others, it has been a life-changing experience. 



When Cathy Goodnight of Rowan County lost her 

 sight, she gave up trying. Goodnight was encouraged to 

 attend the fishing tournament with the Rowan Ramblers. 



"What I saw, felt, did and learned at the VIP Fishing 

 Tournament actually turned my life around," Goodnight 

 wrote in a letter to the board of directors. "People with little 

 or no sight can still actually do things, can learn to do for 

 themselves, feel independent again, and can take charge of 

 their lives." 



"I was amazed," she continued. "I came home with 

 a completely different attitude about my future. As a result 

 of this marvelous event, I have now regained my sense of 

 self-worth and am much more positive about life. I wonder 

 if the Lions know that this isn't just a 'vacation' for visually 

 impaired people, but at least in my case, a life-saving event." 



For volunteers like Angelo Sonnesso of Colington 

 Harbor, the tournament offers an opportunity to inspire 

 others. "Life isn't the same, but it doesn't have to stop 

 because you are blind," says Sonnesso, who is a social 

 worker, amateur musician and VIP board member. 



"You just have to learn to do things differently." m 



The 2005 VIP Fishing Tournament will be 

 held Oct. 10-12 on the Outer Banks. To register 

 or volunteer, contact Gwen White, 252/441-4966, 

 whReinkl @earthlinlcnet or write: Gwen White, 

 PO Box 676, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948. 



TOP: Walter Suggs fishes along Nags Head Fishing Pier. 

 BOTTOM: Volunteer Ean Armstrong right, helps Leroy Fair 

 bait a line. 



COASTWATCH 17 



