Make A Difference Fishing Tournament is a 501 (C)3 non-profit organization dedicated to helping handicapped children through fishing tournaments and other programs that facilitate the involvement of handicapped children in marine education and recreation.

In 1996 a group of inspired businessmen and friends from Clearwater, Florida were inspired to provide a day of fishing for handicapped kids. After presenting their idea to the City they generously agreed to make Pier 60 available for the "kickoff" of the 1st Fishing Tournament for Special Kids. With donations of money, equipment, food and volunteers time Make A Difference hosted a day of fishing for 58 special kids.

Over the years Make A Difference Fishing Tournament has grown to accommodate over 1,000 handicapped and special needs participants in our annual fishing tournaments.

By 2002, the interest and number of participants in the Make A Difference Fishing Tournaments had grown. Two annual tournaments are now underway at Pier 60 for "special anglers." The first, Saturday in October for "special anglers" under 18 years old and then in November for "special anglers" 18 years and older.

Forming a coalition with the International Game Fish Association (IGFA), the largest sport fishing organization in the world, headquartered in Dania, Florida, Make A Difference co-hosted it's first annual joint Make A Difference/IGFA Fishing Tournament for Special Kids in June of 2002 at Dania Beach, FL. Another new event is the City of Largo's annual Spring tournament held at the Largo Park Preserve. The lake's water is crystal clear allowing the anglers a special view of freshwater marine life in its natural setting.

Recently The Port of Manatee Fish Hatchery teamed up with Make A Difference allowing our volunteers to construct a special dock along side its overflow pond to accommodate handicapped kids. With a pond filled with fish our "special anglers" get excited with every cast. After lunch the kids are treated to a tour of the hatchery and feed the fish in the holding ponds.

Make A Difference began a partnership with Clearwater Marine Aquarium as a supporter of the "Full Circle Program". "Full Circle" utilizes the resources of the Clearwater Marine Aquarium to educate, motivate, and entertain special needs children.

Make A Difference represents much more today than it did a decade ago. With partnerships formed our goals are to organize more fishing tournaments, marine education and other programs that facilitate handicapped and special needs kids throughout Florida. Make A Difference organization managed by a volunteer Board of Directors and supported by a 100% volunteer base. With no paid staff members all donations are applied toward the operation of all Make A Difference Fishing Tournaments and other programs for the kids.

Grants

To find out more information about our grant program please download our Make a Difference Fishing Tournament for Special Kids Brochure.