We are pleased to announce that, on June 22, 2025, the RI Lions Sight Foundation (RILSF) will be hosting our 18th Annual VIP Fishing Tournament for Visually Impaired Persons (VIPs) of Rhode Island.

The Tournament is organized by the RILSF and is supported by the RI Lions Clubs and individual donors. The event includes breakfast beverages and pastries, a morning of Fluke Fishing on a Frances Fleet party boat (includes equipment and bait), followed by a Lunch and Awards Presentation at a local restaurant. The tourney is free of charge to all VIPs and their Guides, but donations are always appreciated.

The Requirements for Participating are:

• Legally Blind 

• At least 17 years old

• Are physically able to fish from a party boat.
   

Guidelines are:

• To maintain a level playing field for all VIPs, you must use the Rods and Bait provided and no switching of poles between VIP & Guide is allowed. 

  (If you are not competing, you are welcome to use your own gear.)

• We will be providing light Breakfast beverages and food during Registration, but you may bring your own food and drink if preferred.

• Meal selection will be made at Registration.

• If you are able to participate without a full-time guide, it will be helpful in allowing more VIPs to participate. You will still have the assistance of the Crew and other Guides as needed.

• We also suggest that you bring a small cooler to safely keep the great fish you catch for your enjoyment at home. Ice is available.

• Assistance with transportation will be provided as needed
   

In addition to competing for prizes in the RI Tournament, three “eligible” VIP’s will be invited to represent Rhode Island at the National VIP Fishing Tournament to be held in October on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

SPECIAL NOTE: Because this will be the last year that we will be participating in the National Tourney, this year’s selection process is being revised to ensure that VIP’s that have not been before will have one last chance.

 

• 1st Place “eligible” winner; and if ineligible, we will move to 2nd , 3rd , 4 h , etc. Place winners. (“Eligible” means that you have not gone in the previous 2 years)

• The 2nd and 3rd VIPs to be invited will be chosen by a lottery from a list of VIP’s that have not previously attended the National Tourney.
   

Again, the intent of this new process is to ensure that as many VIPs as possible get the opportunity to have this experience.

Details for the NC Trip will be announced at the Awards Luncheon.

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If you are interested in attending the RI Tournament, please complete the Application & Waiver (link below) and send it to the address shown on the application.
Please remember to include your signature.

NOTE: Guides must also fill out an application.

*** Deadline for receiving Applications is June 14th (by either by US Mail or Email) and will be accepted on a “1st come 1st served” basis***

For further information, feel free to contact either of the following committee members.
Lion Ken Barthelemy, kenbar123@aol.com  401-447-4228 (Phone or Text)

Lion Bill Hawkins, rhodydaytrippers@yahoo.com   401-450-2659 (Phone or Text)

 

                             We look forward to you joining us!