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'Kids-Only' Fishing Contest, Fan Fair Attracts Thousands at BASS Masters Classic
NEW ORLEANS, La.- (August 1, 2001)-A youth fishing contest and fan fair held prior to Thursday's kickoff of the BASS Masters Classic attracted several thousand eager kids, their parents and autograph seekers to a New Orleans city park.

The Kids Klassic, organized by B.A.S.S., has evolved into a highly successful event that promotes fishing to youngsters during bass fishing's high profile world championship event. More than 1,000 boys and girls between the ages of 7 and 11 participated.

Parents, family members and volunteers, who baited fishhooks and handled fish, joined them. Each child went home with a free Zebco "Let's Go Fishing" rod and reel, plus a tee shirt and cap provided by the Classic sponsors.

Many of the kids experienced fishing for the very first time, meeting the simple goal of the Kids Klassic for sponsors and organizers.

"It warms my heart to see 1,000 kids with parents willing to bring them here," said Earl Bentz, founder and president of Triton Boats. "What this event does is plant seeds for the fishermen of tomorrow."

He continued, "There is so much focus on tournaments, and they are justifiably a promotional medium for fishing, but this event grounds those of us in the industry by getting a rod and reel in the hands of the future of the sport."

An autograph session with the 45 Classic pros was held in conjunction with the Kids Klassic at Lafreniere Park. A highly popular event with fans, it provides them with full access to their favorite pros. "It is overwhelming to think 3,000 people came to meet us and to bring their kids fishing," noted Tim Horton, the 2000 B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year, and a fan favorite. "This is a great opportunity for us to meet face-to-face with the fans and see kids go fishing for the first time."

By sanctioning over 20,000 tournaments worldwide, B.A.S.S. is the world's largest fishing organization. The BASSMASTER Tournament Trail is the oldest and most prestigious pro bass fishing tournament circuit. It continues to set the standard for credibility, professionalism, and sportsmanship after more than three decades. B.A.S.S. is a wholly owned subsidiary of ESPN.

ESPN2 will air a one-hour special on the 2001 BASS Masters Classic set for
New Orleans in early August. The telecast is August 18 at 9 p.m. (Eastern). The program will provide complete coverage of bass fishing's world championship held on the sprawling Louisiana Delta.

Sponsors of the 2001 Kids Klassic include: Chevrolet Trucks, Triton Boats, Skeeter Boats, Mercury Marine, Yamaha Outboards, Lowrance Electronics, Pennzoil Marine, Flowmaster Exhaust Systems, Stowaway Batteries, Kumho Tires, Long John Silvers, MotorGuide Trolling Motors, Gore-Tex Outerwear, Armstrong Industrial Hand Tools, Bass Pro Shops, B.A.S.S. Platinum First USA Visa Card, GMAC Vehicle & Boat Insurance, Jefferson Tourism, Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, Bass Cat Boats, G3 Boats.