Press Releases
ALEXANDRIA, VA (January 22, 2008) – The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) today announced that the joint National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and RBFF Take Me Fishing™ Community Initiative reached 88,584 kids and families, far surpassing RBFF's goal of 65,500 for 2007. The initiative was expanded last year to award grant money to 300 communities across the country to improve the quality of their current fishing and boating programs as well as create new ones.
"These results exceeded our expectations," said RBFF President & CEO Frank Peterson. "We look forward to continuing our partnership with NRPA and building on the success of this important program that helps people discover, share and protect the legacy of boating and fishing."
“The program has been phenomenal and far surpassed our expectations this year,” said NRPA Recreation Resources Manager Resa Kierstein. “We’ve put kids on the water for the first time and they have loved the experience. We’ve introduced them to fishing and boating education and we look forward to continuing the program in 2008.”
NRPA and RBFF created a national competitive grants program to increase participation in boating and fishing by funding quality boating and fishing programs in park and recreation agencies. Focusing on skill development and promoting environmental conservation, the initiative awards grants to 300 communities across the country for equipment, staff training scholarships, marketing and program resources.
To view a list of grant recipients please visit RBFF's Website. To find out how your organization might partner with NRPA grant sites, e-mail Heather Sieber or call (703) 778-5160.
About NRPA
The National Recreation and Park Association is a national membership organization dedicated to advancing park, recreation and conservation efforts that enhance quality of life for all people. Through its network of more than 21,000 recreation and park professionals and citizens, NRPA encourages the promotion of healthy lifestyles, recreation initiatives, and conservation of natural and cultural resources. For more information, visit www.nrpa.org.
About RBFF
RBFF is a nonprofit organization established in 1998 to increase participation in recreational angling and boating. RBFF helps people discover, share and protect the legacy of boating and fishing through national outreach programs including the Take Me Fishing campaign and Anglers’ Legacy.
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703-778-5160
