Sportsman Channel Sponsors 8th Annual Geoffrey Morris Memorial Fishing Tournament
OutdoorHub 06.20.12
Sportsman Channel, the leader in outdoor TV for the American Sportsman, is proud to sponsor the 8th Annual Geoffrey Morris Memorial Fishing Tournament happening this weekend at the North Point Marina in Winthrop Harbor, Ill. The annual tournament raises funds for military families in Illinois in remembrance of PFC Geoffrey Morris.
Besides the Pro and Amateur divisions this Friday and Saturday, the tournament also hosts a “Heroes of Fishing Derby” on Sunday, June 24. Anglers are able to take out Wounded Warriors, Veterans and Active Duty Members. The day is concluded with music and a feast befitting military heroes.
“This series is growing every year and it’s great to hear from Captains to Wounded Warrior coordinators that they look forward to this event in the summer,” said Kirk Morris, Executive Director for the PFC Geoffrey Morris Foundation. “It is a unique event because it takes a unique kind of man and woman to be in the military today. They step up and do it for you and me, so we like to put a smile on their faces – even if just for one day.”
Sportsman Channel is supporting the Geoffrey Morris Memorial Tournament as part of a seven-tournament series this summer in partnership with Salmon Unlimited. For more information on Salmon Unlimited’s tournament series, visit http://www.salmonunlimitedinc.com/suopen.html
“We are continually seeking ways to help our military heroes and their families,” said Michelle Scheuermann of Sportsman Channel. “When we heard they were also taking out wounded warriors for a day, we jumped on board to give raffle prizes and items for the Captain’s bags. We want to ensure this event gains as much recognition as possible to raise the needed funds for our military families. Additionally, they are donating the fish caught to the Hillside Food Pantry. That lines up perfectly with our Hunt.Fish.Feed initiative of giving to families in need.”
PFC Geoffrey Morris signed up for the US Marine Corps in September 2002 during his senior year at Warren Township High School in Gurnee, Ill. Geoff, the oldest of six children, shipped off to boot camp in San Diego in June 2003. Just 19 years old, Geoff was deployed to Iraq in February and killed in action on April 4th, 2004. Geoffrey believed strongly in the values this country stands for and willingly stood in harm’s way to defend it. He joined the Marine Corps for three reasons: to defend the freedoms of our country, to help those unable to help themselves and finally, because “the Marines are the Best of the Best, Dad, and I wouldn’t want to be part of anything less!”
For eight years, the Geoffrey Memorial Fishing Tournament has been providing assistance to military families in Illinois and Midwest who face hardships when military service is requested: including our Wounded Warriors, Gold Star Families, Veterans, Active, Reservists who have served this Country with distinction and honor.
