Project Healing Waters Hosts Smallmouth Bass Tournament on the Roanoke River

Posted on July 27th, 2016

A new fishing tournament in September will promote fly fishing and support veterans.

Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing Inc. is a non-profit organization that helps rehabilitate disabled veterans and military personnel through fly fishing and other activities. Fly fishing can be tailored to the needs of the individual fisherman, and it improves balance, dexterity, and mental strength, making it a beneficial and therapeutic experience for war veterans. PHWFF is partnering with AECOM, an architectural/engineering firm in downtown Roanoke, to host a fly fishing tournament Sept. 9-10 on the Roanoke River.

This exciting event pays homage to our men and women who have served us. Thanks to generous donations, food and hotels for vets are provided at a discount or for free.

Here’s what’s happening:

  • The tournament itself begins at 8 a.m. on Sept.. 10. Each team consists of one veteran and one pro fisherman. Spectators are welcome to come cheer on the vets.
  • Awards will be given at 2 p.m. for fishing, as well as donated gifts and goodies.
  • Fly tying vises will be set up for any vet that wants to learn to tie flies.

Project Healing Waters and AECOM hope to make this an annual event in Roanoke and look forward to the support of the community. Donations are appreciated, as they are still in need of giveaway prizes and money to fund the event. In addition, the local chapter is always needing funds for other similar events.

Project Healing Waters

  • Where: Wasena Park area on Roanoke River
  • When: Dinner Sept. 9; fishing Sept. 10
  • Who: Veterans, pro fisherman, and volunteers; spectators are encouraged to come out for support, but will not be able to participate in the tournament
  • Contact: josh@deaddriftva.com or 521-9214

Guest post by Kate Jewusiak. Jewusiak is a summer intern for the Roanoke Regional Partnership. She is a mass communication student at the Burton Center for Arts and Technology and will be a senior at Hidden Valley High School in the fall.