15 Years of “Musk-see” Fishing for Special Olympics Michigan Laura Drabczyk

More than 100 fishermen shot out of the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club on the morning of June 22nd for the 15th annual Michigan-Ontario Muskie Club (M.O.M.C.) fishing derby charity fundraiser to benefit Special Olympics Michigan. Four lucky athletes from the Grosse Pointe/Harper Woods area got to spend the day on the water with the fishermen, riding the waves and landing some great fish. 

Ryan Sandles, 22, caught four fish and really enjoyed his time on the water. His biggest catch of the day was about 40 inches. “I had a tough time getting him in, but all of the guys helped me out,” he commented. Decked out in his Tigers gear, he said he enjoys spending his free time at Comerica Park watching the Detroit Tigers play.  Ryan recently competed in the bowling competition at the State Summer Games in Mount Pleasant.

Adam Tipaudo, another bowling competitor, caught a total of three fish, two of which reached more than 30 inches. “I never knew I was so good at fishing,” he joked.   Adam enjoys listening to music and hanging out with his girlfriend Amy, in his free time.

Dez Peoples celebrated his 19th birthday out on the water. The recent high school graduate caught two fish and was thankful to spend such a nice day out on the boat. Dez also competed in bowling at the State Summer Games where he scored a 217, his personal record. “That was without bumpers,” he said.

After a long day out on the water, the boaters returned to the yacht club for dinner. After an enthusiastic singing of “Happy Birthday” to Dez, the M.O.M.C. presented the athletes with a six-foot, $10,000 check, which received a standing ovation from the crowd. Steven Kujawski, a swimmer for the Grosse Pointe/ Harbor Woods Stingrays and “Master Angler,” as his fellow fishermen call him, made the acceptance speech. He thanked everyone for their wonderful support; without them he would never get to enjoy “the thrill of the competition.” He is so thankful for Special Olympics Michigan because he has the opportunity to meet many people, stay physically fit, and compete in athletic competitions. He has also learned that losing is part of the game, and the effort is what really matters.  During the derby Steven caught six fish, one of which was 44 inches and another 42 inches. Overall the day was a great success for all four athletes, numerous fishermen, and especially for Special Olympics Michigan. 

Posted: 2010-06-30