Special Olympics Michigan Charity Derby

The 2011 SOM Charity Muskie Tournament is in the books, and was a huge success, once again. With the coup de gras being Steven (one of our SOM athletes) angling the winning 54” Muskie on Vince Brennan’s Mary Megan.

Weather could not have been better, the weather was threatening first thing in the morning....but overall was awesome, and the fishing was even better. Most of the 37 boats landed double digit counts today and over a dozen 50" class fish were landed and released for another day.

On behalf of all the supporting clubs, (MOMC, DYC, GPYC & DAC), we would like to extend a huge thanks to all 260 participants (37 boats) in this years tournament, along with all of our sponsors, volunteers, and captains for donating boats, equipment, experience and time.

Huge thanks to the Special Olympic Athletes who participated in this year’s event. Having them be part of our event, made this day extra special. Listening to Steven, explain his love for the SOM, and how it has changed and shaped his life, and all the genuine appreciation for this event, did not leave a dry eye in the house.
 
That was then followed up by Tony “aka Muskie Man”; thanking us and then proclaiming we were all his heroes, brought the house down. Everyone, whom participated today, was treated to something very special, with the athlete’s attendance.
 
A ”HUGH THANK YOU” to Captain Vince Brennan & his TRW crew, Captain Scott D’Eath, Captain Doug Felster  and Team DYC for allowing the athletes to fish with them. Team DYC won the 50” Plasma HDTV and promptly gave it to Tony aka Muskie Man!!! Thank you to captain Adam Heinrich for allowing Scott and Doug the use of your boat to take out Muskie Man Tony and his dad Frank.
 

The SOM Charity Derby is a 100% Catch & Release Tournament, and the results are as follows:

1st - Capt Vince Brennan (MOMC) - Team Mary Megan
Sponsor - TRW
54 length - Successfully Released.

2nd - Capt Jerry Iwanski (MOMC) - Team Hot Tuna
Sponsor – Michigan Rod
52" length - Successfully Released.

3rd - Capt Tim DiMartino (MOMC) - Team Reel Action
Sponsor – United Health Care
52" length - Successfully Released.

GRAND PRIZE WINNER - The 15,200 Special Olympics Michigan athletes in 23 sports.

Donation: Over $10,000 in proceeds to SOM.
 
THANK YOU ALL!!! Many 100's of volunteer hours are what make this tournament a success.

Best Regards
MOMC Board of Directors