RI Lions Sight Foundation Fishing Tournament
The RI Lions Sight Foundation (RILSF) will be hosting its 19th Annual VIP Fishing Tournament for Visually Impaired Persons (VIPs) of Rhode Island on June 28, 2026.
The application is available at this link.
The Tournament is organized by the RILSF and is supported by the RI Lions Clubs and individual donors. The event includes breakfast beverages and pastries, a morning of fishing on a Frances Fleet party boat (includes equipment and bait), followed by lunch and Awards Presentation at a local restaurant. The tourney is free of charge to all VIPs and their Guides, but donations are always appreciated at any time.
The Requirements for Participating are:
• Legally Blind
• At least 17 years old
• Physically able to fish from a party boat.
Guidelines are:
• To maintain a level playing field for all VIPs, you must use the Rods and Bait provided and no switching of poles between VIP & Guide is allowed.
(If you are not competing, you are welcome to use your own gear.)
• We will be providing light Breakfast beverages and food during Registration, but you can bring your own food and drink if preferred.
• Meal selection for the Awards Luncheon will be made at Registration.
• If you can participate without a full-time guide, it will be helpful in allowing more VIPs to participate. You will still have the assistance of the Crew and other Guides as needed.
• We also suggest that you bring a small cooler to safely keep the great fish you catch for your enjoyment at home. Ice is available.
• Assistance with transportation will be provided as needed.
In addition to competing for prizes in the RI Tournament, three “eligible” VIP’s will be invited to a Champions Fishing Trip which is replacing the trip to the North Carolina National VIP Fishing Tournament. This trip will be held at a fishing location in the New England area at a place and date to be determined. More information will be announced at the Awards Luncheon. (“Eligible” means that you have a post-tournament in the previous 2 years)
If you are interested in attending the RI Tournament, please complete the enclosed Application and send it to the address shown on the application.
Please remember to include your signature.
NOTE: Guides must also fill out an application.
*** Deadline for receiving Applications is June 20th (by either by Mail or Email) and will be accepted on a “1st come 1st served” basis***
For further information, feel free to contact either of the following committee members.
Lion Ken Barthelemy, kenbar123@aol.com 401-447-4228 (Phone or Text)
Lion Bill Hawkins, rhodydaytrippers@yahoo.com 401-450-2659 (Phone or Text)
