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Special Olympics Delaware hosts Families Day at the Beach

Rob Bailey shows his casting expertise during the fishing competition. DAN COOK PHOTOS
Dan Cook
September 26, 2019

Special Olympics Delaware held its Families Day at the Beach Sept. 21, when nearly 80 athletes and their families gathered to enjoy a day together in a relaxed atmosphere. This event is a great way for families and volunteers to meet other Special Olympics families throughout the state. The event was held at the Cape Henlopen State Park fishing pier.

The athletes took part in a fishing contest, where prizes were given for the first fish caught, biggest fish caught and most fish caught. Judging the event and assisting with bait, rods and instruction were Delaware Mobile Surf-Fishermen members.

After the contest, the athletes and their families took part in a barbecue at the picnic area and had the option to take a round-trip ferry ride to Cape May and back.

Special Olympics Delaware thanks the Delaware Mobile Surf-Fishermen, Lighthouse View Bait and Tackle, Rehoboth Beach Kiwanis Club, Rising Sun Masonic Lodge No. 4, Rehoboth Beach Lions Club, and special thanks to Janie Miller who has organized the event since its inception.

For more info, go to SODE.org.

 

Rob Bailey shows his casting expertise during the fishing competition. DAN COOK PHOTOS
Athlete Jillian Calanna arrives ready to go fishing.
SODE Executive Director Ann Grunert, left, and volunteer Tenesha Duffy go over last-minute instructions before the announcements.
Members of the Delaware Mobile Surf-Fishermen assisted with the fishing experience for the athletes. Shown are in back are (l-r) Cassidy Toomey, Steve Merrick, Craig Manning, Jim Haug, Mike Williamson, Toni Marckese, Connor Cunneely, Paula Gallagher, Ron Keefer, Jeff Heinbach, Dave Matthews, Kelly Heinbach and Bruce West. In front are Jim Steele, Henry Busby, Eamonn "Irish" Carey, George Mood, Rick Manchester, Debbie Wiechardt, Bill Wiechardt, Danny Manning and Bobby Fortner.
SODE volunteer Tenesha Duffy welcomes the athletes and their families to the annual event.
Athlete Beh Fuhs receives a rod from Delaware Mobile Surf-Fishermen’s Paula Gallagher.
Athlete Beth Fuhs gets her bait from Craig Manning of the Delaware Mobile Surf-Fishermen.
Athlete Terry Downing baits his hook.
Athlete Sam Hollis makes a big cast.
SODE athlete Lynn Dolphin checks to see if she had a bite.
Kurt Meyermann relaxes in the shade while he fishes.
Delaware Mobile Surf-Fishermen helpers Paula Gallagher and Steve Merrick assist Athlete Nyana Davis as she looks closely at her catch. She caught the first fish of the day.
Athlete Ryan Stevens, left, is happy with his sea bass held by Delaware Mobile Surf-Fishermen’s Jim Haug.
Ryan Todd shows the bait he’s using to catch the big one.
Athlete Laura Hoffman patiently waits for a bite with Delaware Mobile Surf-Fishermen’s Jim Steele.
Athlete Pamela Brown gets some assistance from Kelly Heinbach of the Delaware Mobile Surf-Fishermen.

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Dan has worked for the Cape Gazette for more than 30 years as a photographer and reporter, covering high school sports and happenings around eastern Sussex County. He won a photography award from the National Newspaper Association, and numerous awards from the Maryland, Delaware, D.C. Press Association. A Delaware native, Dan graduated from Cape in 1972 and returned as a teacher and coach in the 1980s. He retired from the classroom in 2016. He was inducted into Cape High’s Legends Stadium in 2016. In his spare time, Dan enjoys spending time with his wife, two sons, grandchildren and dogs. 

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