Academy makes $500 donation toward Lake Meredith Small Fry Fishing Tournament

Academy Sports and Outdoors donated $500 worth of supplies to the Lake Meredith Small Fry Fishing Tournament on Friday morning, July 28, as participants gear up for the upcoming competition this week on Saturday, Aug. 5.

During the event, Academy allotted tournament participants and staff the opportunity to shop the store for items they will utilize during their upcoming competition including fishing rods, fishing supplies, clothes and more.

According to Jacob Zavala, Academy Operations Manager, this is one way that Academy works to support the community and promote outdoor activities.

"Here at Academy, we always encourage local entities, and we always want to encourage families to get outside and make memories. By us making this donation, we are helping families to have a good time and make those lifelong memories," Zavala said.

Zavala was able to present the donation gift card to the tournament staff during checkout, stating: "This is an awesome feeling, being able to help the Small Fry Fishing tournament and organizations like it. It is always a no-brainer from our standpoint."

The Small-Fry Fishing Tournament is a children’s fishing event hosted by the nonprofit that promotes the sport of fishing while encouraging family fun.

The annual event is open to all area children between the ages of 6 and 14 to participate in the tournament, with a "Fish for fun" area for children ages 5 and younger.

The event will include free fishing equipment and fishing poles for all children in the tournament. Prizes will be awarded to the individuals who catch the most fish for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place for each age group. Additional prizes are awarded for the tournament's largest fish and strangest catch.

According to the tournament's official Facebook page, in 2021 the event included approximately 150 children participating in the Small-Fry Fishing Tournament, and more than 336 individuals in attendance.

The tournament will be held Saturday at the Lake Meredith Stilling Basin in Spring Canyon. On-site registration will begin at 8 a.m., followed by the tournament from 9 to 11 a.m. Free food and prizes will be provided.

For additional information or to register online, visit their official webpage at https://meredith-small-fry.org/#home .

For more information about Academy, visit them online at  www.academy.com .

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Academy, nonprofit team up to offer free fishing supplies to children