In early 1990, the Marlin and Tuna Club was presented with an interesting concept calling for the Club to sponsor a day of fishing for children with disabilities. As a result, a committee was formed and charged to look into the plausibility of the Club putting together such an undertaking.

Maureen Klause headed that committee and was the first coordinator of this event. The committee worked hard researching agencies that would be willing to participate in such an activity. The fruit of their efforts were finally realized in 1992, when the Ocean City Marlin and Tuna Club successfully introduced its first Special Kid’s Outing.

Coordinating the activity was no easy challenge. Agencies such as the Shriners and the Variety Club participated by identifying families with children who had disabilities and wanted to introduce their children to something they have never had the opportunity to do. The event included a half-day of fishing followed by a barbecue. Children and their families were assigned to boats capable of accommodating each child’s special needs. Members of the Marlin and Tuna Club participating in the event supplied boats of all sizes to make the event a success.

Each child was presented with an award as a memento of his or her accomplishment. It goes without saying that the event was an overwhelming success for all those who participated. Particularly, for those members who provided an opportunity for a child and their family to visit the shore, climb aboard a boat and go fishing for the first time in their lives.

Today this event is co-sponsored by the Ocean City Marlin and Tuna Club and the Ocean City Yacht Club. On a yearly basis, each organization alternates sponsoring the event. Children with all types of disabilities participate in this event, along with their families. To date, we are proud to say that no child has been turned away because of their special needs.

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