30 Apr NFL YET STUDENTS ENJOY JUNIOR ANGLER CLINIC
On a recent sunny afternoon, at least 20 Miami Dolphins players joined elementary school students from the NFL Youth Education Town (YET) Center in Miami for the Junior Angler Clinic. They enjoyed a fishing experience at the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) Fishing Hall of Fame in Davie. The event was sponsored by Publix and allowed kids from the YET Center to mingle with the players as they attempted to catch fish in the waters outside of the IGFA. For some children, it was not their first time fishing, but to hear and view their excitement and eagerness reflected their happiness at attending the clinic. The clinic was a great success as the players were relaxed, helpful, and courteous while they interacted with kids from the YET Center.
Upon arrival at the IGFA, the children were greeted by Miami Dolphins personnel and given t-shirts before they were taken outside for a brief orientation and informed of the catch and release policy. IGFA staff performed demonstrations of how to bait and use the fishing poles as Dolphins players were interspersed among the students and offered assistance to children attempting to bait their rods. Chloe Hopkins, 9, had never fished previously, but was excited, and stated that she was having fun. Punter Brandon Fields assisted Chloe in trying to catch her first fish. Nearby, guard John Jerry, was assisting another student, and commented that the kids enjoy these types of experiences.
Jemelle Bowers, 11, had fished many times before, but she needed assistance trying to control her fishing pole. She laughed innocently and enjoyed the effort to catch a fish, while remarking on the turtles in the water. Player Will Yateman wa
s standing beside the child who caught the first fish, eight year old Dilkharri Sims, who wanted to keep the bass, but was disappointed that it had to be released. Dominique Patterson, 9, another fishing veteran, caught the second fish of the day. Despite being delighted about having caught a fish, Dominique admitted that she was scared because she had to touch it. Brothers Klyvens and Klyvenson Garcon had a great time fishing. Both caught fish, although Klyvens caught more than his brother. He proudly admitted to catching three fish. All of the players had positive views on the activity, and the impact that it can present in the lives of children. Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill, stated that he grew up fishing and does it as often as possible. “This event is exciting and it gets the kids outdoors.” Guard Nate Garner admitted “I love doing this! It’s nice to see kids smiling.” Cornerback De Andre Pressley said that the fishing activity was a lot of fun and a “humbling experience;” “a way to give back to the youth.” After taking a group picture, the children were taken inside to relax and enjoy a snack. Some of the players signed the back of the students’ shirts, which elicited shrieks of joy. Prior to their departure, each child received a colorful plastic fishing pole gifted by Publix.
The NFL YET Center is a public/private collaboration at Gwen Cherry Park that provides academic and athletic programming for neighborhood kids that gives them something to say YES to as they participate in a myriad of activities that prepare them for a brighter tomorrow. The Miami facility is located at 7090 NW 22 Avenue and serves the community six days a week.
The center is named after the late Gwendolyn Sawyer Cherry, the first African American female elected to the Florida Legislature. Housed in a 27,000 square foot facility, the center houses a library, computer rooms, a gymnasium, multi-purpose room, and game room to be used and enjoyed by neighborhood children. In addition to other amenities, there are also lighted baseball and football fields, outdoor basketball court, softball field, a 400-meter track, and swimming pool. For more information, visit www.GwenCherryParkFoundation.org
Written by Darlene Gay