Pro angler Chad Morgenthaler has teamed with Special Olympics Illinois and the Law Enforcement Torch Run to host the Chad Morgenthaler Bass Tournament. Partners in the event include Jasper Engines & Transmissions and the Franklin County Tourism Bureau.
The event, which takes place Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 at Rend Lake in southern Illinois, will benefit Special Olympics Illinois athletes.
The weekend includes the 2-day team-format tournament, "beat the pro" fishing and casting contests, a family fun zone and a chance to win prizes. Other pros to participate include Greg Pugh, Terry Tucker and Terry Bolton.
Morgenthaler first became involved with the Special Olympics last year when he donated a day-long fishing trip as part of an online benefit auction. This year's tournament marks a significant increase in his involvement.
"I was inspired by the courage and enthusiasm shown by the Special Olympics athletes," Morgenthaler said. "After talking more with Special Olympics Illinois, we agreed a fishing tournament would be an exciting way to introduce the organization and its athletes to a previously untapped audience of fishermen.
"We currently have three great pros who have agreed to participate and are expecting more to come onboard," he added. "We plan to make this an annual event and hope to make it the largest charity fishing event in the state in the future."
> Entry is limited to the first 200 boats to register. The $200-per-boat entry fee includes the big-bass pot.
> For entry forms or more information, contact Jeff Henson at Special Olympics Illinois: (800) 394-0562, jhenson@soill.org, soill.org.
