BASS announced Tuesday that Cabela’s, the World’s Foremost Outfitter of hunting, fishing and outdoor gear, renewed its sponsorship of the successful Bassmaster CastingKids program, which was developed in 1991 to introduce children to the sport of bass fishing.
Cabela’s, a supporting sponsor of CastingKids since 2006, will provide branded casting targets for all CastingKids events. Additionally, Cabela’s gift cards will be given to the 12 finalists who qualify for the 2009 Bassmaster CastingKids National Championship, set for Oct. 31 in Tavares, Fla.
CastingKids competitions are held in two age divisions, 7-10 and 11-14, and youth advance to the National Championship through tournaments on the local, state and divisional level.
In 2008, the CastingKids program was integrated into the BASS Federation Nation Championship presented by Skeeter Boats and Yamaha Outboards to give youth an entry point into competition. The BASS Federation Nation is the grassroots organization that provides support for BASS’ youth initiatives.
“Fostering a love of fishing and the outdoors among America’s youth is something we take seriously here at Cabela’s,” said Tom Rosdail, vice president of marketing for Cabela’s. “We’re proud to sponsor the Bassmaster CastingKids program and help jumpstart the next generation of anglers.”
The sponsorship agreement will provide the Sidney, Neb.,-based company a presence across BASS’ multimedia assets, including the Bassmaster website and BASS Times.
“Cabela’s shares BASS’ vision in growing the sport by helping our youth develop skills through introductory programs like CastingKids,” said Tom Ricks, vice president and general manager, ESPN Outdoors and BASS.
BASS has provided programs through the BASS Federation Nation for children to learn about conservation, natural resources, fishing and competition through CastingKids and the Junior Bassmaster Program. Catering to the more mature youth segment, 11-14 and 15-18, the Junior Bassmaster Program was founded in 1983.
Bassmaster CastingKids Official Sponsors: Toyota Trucks, Berkley, BOOYAH Baits, Mercury, OPTIMA Batteries, Skeeter Boats and Yamaha Outboards.
Bassmaster CastingKids Supporting Sponsors: Triton Boats, Cabela’s, Zebco and Stanley Jigs.
For more information, contact BASS Communications at (407) 566-2208.
About Cabela’s, Inc.:
Cabela’s Incorporated, headquartered in Sidney, Nebraska, is a leading specialty retailer, and the world’s largest direct marketer, of hunting, fishing, camping and related outdoor merchandise. Since the Company’s founding in 1961, Cabela’s has grown to become one of the most well-known outdoor recreation brands in the world, and has long been recognized as the World’s Foremost Outfitter. Through Cabela’s growing number of retail stores and its well-established direct business, it offers a wide and distinctive selection of high-quality outdoor products at competitive prices while providing superior customer service. Cabela’s also issues the Cabela’s CLUB Visa credit card, which serves as its primary customer loyalty rewards program. Cabela’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “CAB”.
About BASS:
For more than 40 years, BASS has served as the authority on bass fishing. With its considerable multi-media platforms and expansive tournament trail, BASS is guided by its mission to serve all fishing fans. Through its industry-leading publications Bassmaster Magazine, BASS Times and Fishing Tackle Retailer and comprehensive Web properties in the ESPN360 website, ESPN’s sports broadband network, the Bassmaster, BASSInsider and ESPNOutdoors websites, the organization is committed to delivering content true to the lifestyle. Additionally, television programming on ESPN2 continues to provide relevant content – from tips and techniques to in-depth tournament coverage – to passionate audiences.
The organization oversees the prestigious Bassmaster tournament trail, which includes the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bassmaster Opens, Women’s Bassmaster Tour and the Bassmaster Classic, the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing. Through its grassroots network, the BASS Federation Nation, BASS sanctions more than 20,000 events annually.
BASS also offers an array of services to its more than 500,000 members while spearheading progressive, positive change on issues related to conservation and water access. The organization is headquartered in Celebration, Fla.By: BASS Communications / BASS
