My son was diagnosed autistic 7 years ago. As a father, it was very hard to accept. You never imagine that your child will have any problems. I was in denial for 4 years until I went to a meeting for the Autism Society that my wife forced me to go. I can honestly tell you that going to that meeting changed my life. For the past three years I have been working with the autism society and trying to make a difference in childrens lives. Every year I buy school supplies , adopt 24 children for christmas, throw parties and any other crazy idea that i get to see a smile on a childs face. It is very difficult as a dad not to imagine going to a base ball, foot ball, socccer game to watch your son play. I found the next best thing. I have always loved to fish and grew up on my grandfathers commercial fish boat. Fishing has given me an avenue to spend quality one on one time with my son and not have to worry about anyone looking down on him or making fun of him. He is my BEST FRIEND!
I started this tournament to hopefully show families that are affected by this illness that there is an alternative to contemporary sports. All the proceeds are going directly to the Autism Society for a fishing camp that I am going to put on this summer. If I can get just one child to enjoy this wonderful sport, my goal is accomplished. As you can see this is very near and dear to me. That is why I am trying so hard to make this a successful and FUN event. Sorry I rambled on a bit, I am in tears as I write this.
Again, thank you for your support!
