In the seven years the North Shelby School Tournament for Special Olympics has been held on Lake Norman, the annual event has raised over $144,000 for Special Olympics at the school, but tournament director Ricky Peace would like to do much, much more.

“The Special Olympics of Cleveland County (N.C.) is housed in a school called the North Shelby School,” Peace explained. “The school gets funding, but the Special Olympics side does not so that have to raise money every year. All the teachers, the volunteers, the staff, coaches, everyone, gives up their weekends to get out and do fund-raising. They work with the kids at school all week long and then on weekends they do car washes, cake sales and other fund-raising to meet their budget needs.”

Peace said the tournament grew out of a small fishing club at the Eaton Corporation where he works. Once the club members decided to hold the tournament to benefit Special Olympics the company provided financial support and the first year the tournament raised $14,400.

The tournament really took off once some of the top names in bass fishing from around the area began fishing in it – and helping find good sponsors, Peace said. The tournament raises funds for Special Olympics and for the North Shelby School which specializes in serving children with special needs.

“We are making more money for the organization,” Peace said. “this year our company has put in some corporate money. That did not change anything this year, but we are hoping that may change things around some next year with corporate support.”

The key to growth, he said, is to raise the level of prize money and increase the number of places that earn prize money. To take that next step, he said, he needs to find some major corporate support.

“I keep trying. I call these people with different organizations, different dealers, trying to get them on board. I’m not affiliated with the fishing industry, however, just an average guy working in a factory.”

There is hope, however, he noted. Bass Pro Shops in Concord has been a tournament sponsor and this year the general manager, Eric Winter, plans to fish in the tournament.

“He said he wanted to take a look at our tournament and see if there is something there for next year. It would be great if there is because that would be the big break I have been wanting,” Peace said.

What Winter will find, in addition to the bass fishing in Lake Norman, Peace said, is a group of volunteers giving their time and effort to support a local charity that needs financial help.

“We have the best volunteers that come and work. Our whole staff, including the plant manager and the front office staff, will be there at 4 a.m. to help with the tournament.”

The 8^th annual Special Olympics/ North Shelby School Benefit Tournament will be held Saturday, Nov. 1, out of Pinnacle Landing on Lake Norman. Entry fee is $100 per team with an optional $10 Big Fish Pot. The total purse, which will be paid through the top 20 places, includes a $2,500 first prize.

 

North Shelby School Tournament for Special Olympics

Sat, Nov 1, 2014

Lake Norman

Pinnacle Access

Call Ricky Peace @ 704-434-7573

[email protected]