YAKIMA, Wash. - Children with a wide range of disabilities will have the opportunity to reel in a good time as they join some enthusiastic volunteers for the C.A.S.T. for Kids event scheduled for June 16, at Sarg Hubbard Pond located on the Yakima Greenway in Yakima, Wash. C.A.S.T., which stands for "Catch a Special Thrill," offers children with disabilities and terminal illnesses an opportunity to enjoy a day of fishing and recreation.

"For some of these kids, this will be their first fishing experience," said Chris Humphries of the Bureau of Reclamation's Columbia-Cascades Area Office. "This is also a great time for our local volunteers who will be a part of an experience many of these kids will remember for a long time."

Children range in age from 7-16 years old, many have a variety of physical or developmental disabilities and some may suffer with terminal illnesses. Each participant will receive fishing gear, an event t-shirt and hat, Humphries said.

Volunteers from the local Carpenter Local Union #770, Reclamation, and others will serve as fishing buddies and offer assistance to the novice anglers. Reclamation volunteers will also provide a barbecue lunch following the event for the participants.

Partners include: C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation, Bureau of Reclamation, Children's Village, Starbucks Coffee Company, Valley Septic, Culligan Water Softener, McDonalds, Pepsi, Yakama Nation Legends Casino, and TreeTop, Inc.

For information about the June 16 event, contact Chris Humphries at (509) 930-3320, Ext. 246. In the event of rain the C.A.S.T. event will be canceled.