by Mary Rupert
The Urban Kids Fishing Derby held Saturday, May 16, gave city kids a chance to get back to nature.
The 10th annual event, sponsored by Urban American Outdoors TV, was held at the pond at Kansas City Kansas Community College, 7250 State Ave.
Wayne Hubbard, host of the Urban American Outdoors television show, said that some urban kids do not have the opportunity to connect to nature, and this event provided them with that opportunity. Also, he said it was an opportunity for kids to learn about fishing and wildlife. The derby was being filmed for a future episode of the Urban American Outdoors show.
Candice Price, executive producer of Urban American Outdoors TV, said there was an excellent turnout, with about 300 youth participating. Although the weather forecast predicted rain on Saturday, rain did not fall. “I had a feeling we were going to be all right,” she said.
A special guest at today’s event was Jim Kurth, deputy director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
“It’s a great event today, and it’s wonderful to see the young folks out here,” he said.
The nation is becoming increasingly urban, he noted, and kids do not have as many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors as in the past. This is one event that is trying to bring an enjoyment of the outdoors life to the city.
It also is presenting the conservation message that fish depend on clean water, he said. He hopes kids take away from the event an appreciation for nature, and that they want to help take care of nature as they grow up, he said.
The free event had several sponsors. KPRS Hot 103 Jamz, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Hiland Dairy Foods, Gates Bar-B-Q, Osage Catfisheries and others.
