2025 Events
2025 National Fishing Tournament (October ______, 2025)
The trip to 2025 National Visually Impaired Persons (VIP) Fishing Tournament on the Outer Banks of North Carolina (NC) was another great success.
This was the 15th trip to NC in our 18-Yr history and, since this was the last one planned, we endeavored to
bring as many 1st-timers as possible. We were allowed to bring 2 teams this year because last years event was cancelled due to the flooding, with the 2024 team being disguised as a MA team. (Each state is allowed 3 VIP’s.)
CT also joined us one more time which allowed us us to charter a Dattco bus for a more comfortable 13-hr ride.
Especially with our driver for 8-trips, Hector Medina!
We were assigned to the Nags Head Ramada hotel, our favorite, as it has easy access to the beach and had an indoor pool and jacuzzi. On Monday we had an 18-hole Miniature Golf Tournament for the VIPs, courtesy of Lost Treasure Mini Golf, which they really enjoyed and the 3 winners received OBX hats.
One evening, the New England team had Pirates Day where everyone dressed up. The VIPs and guides especially enjoyed it, and the VIPs' costumes were great.
The weather was great for the tournament, and I wish I could say the same about the fishing, especially compared to 2 years ago. Fishing from the Crystal Dawn head boat on Tuesday and then from Jennette Pier on Wednesday was very slow on both days, but that made each catch all the more exciting. At least they caught enough to select the winners!
There were so few fish caught from the pier, that there was a 4-way tie for 2nd , with 2 small fish each. The winner from NC caught 5!
New England Tournament Winners
1st - Norman Aucoin, N. Kingston RI – MA Team
2nd – Maryanne Mellee – CT Team
3rd – Charlie Costello, Narragansett, RI – CT Team
VIP with his catch
This was also the year that Gwen White, the 30-year Director of the Tournament, is retiring and turning the reins over to her son Owen, who has been running the back side of the event. Gwen will now become the Wizard behind the curtain. Since this is the last year the RILSF plans to send teams down to the National Tournament, it was important to us to be able to thank her, and Bob and Dee Christensen, for their many years of Southern Hospitality and great experiences for the VIP’s, Guides and Volunteers. Many friends and memories were made.
The RI and CT VIP Fishing Tournaments will continue as usual, with the continued support of Bill and Melissa Hawkins and our great volunteers. And, who knows, if the right leadership and support is found, perhaps we can partner with other New England States to replace the National Tournament with something more local, convenient and affordable. Never say never!
At the tournament, Ken Barthelemy (of the RILSF and Scituate Lions club and organizer of these trips) was presented with a RILSF Progressive VIP Ambassador Award (much to his great surprise) in recognition of all the work he has put in over the years in organizing the trips to the National VIP Fishing Tournament and leading the teams down to North Carolina.
The Progressive VIP Ambassador Award is the RILSF version of a Lions' Melvin Jones Award.
All who were able to participate wish to thank the RILSF, the RI Lions clubs, and Don Hayden (now the Don and Elaine Foundation), for their many years of support.
Jennette Pier
Awards Presentation and Dinner