photo by Richard Freeman
Jan Heavener - Arkansas

Katy, Texas: Academy Sports and Outdoors will provide a free authentic-cane pole for the 100 children expected to attend the Free Fun Fishing Derby for Parents Educating Arkansas about Children with Epilepsy (PEACE) event June 7. “We are excited to help with the equipment these kids will need. This is an excellent organization and an honorable event,” said Jerry deBin, Director of Outdoor Marketing for Academy.

When Women’s Bassmaster Tour and Team Academy member Jan Heavener heard about the organization from her friend earlier this year, she knew she wanted to help. When she heard about the Free Fun Fishing Derby, she knew when she was going to start. 

PEACE is a free support group for parents. Their mission is to coordinate education and outreach to the people of Arkansas about children who have epilepsy and other forms of seizure disorders. Heavener’s personal life experience with epilepsy made it a no-brainer.

Heavener shares her personal experience, “My mother was diagnosed with epilepsy after we were grown and I can imagine what it would have been like had it come sooner as a young mother. We need to educate the teachers and school officials as well as the other kids that go to school with these children so they know more about the problems and not be afraid of what can happen. If we do that we have done a world of good.”

The event is for children with epilepsy or autism. Lady anglers from the WBT and other clubs around the state have volunteered to help with the fishing, baiting hooks, taking pictures, and just be there for the children. The lake will be stocked by Arkansas Game and Fish prior to the event.

Heavener has a heart for the children. “Working with kids is so special, they are so beautiful. You can see in their eyes the love they have and the desire to learn. I wish everyone could be with us to see the smiles on the faces of our new anglers,” Heavener says with a smile.

The event will be Saturday June 7, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m. at Lake Cherrywood Park, Sherwood. For more information contact Mandy Ochoa at 501-563-5211, or visit peaceinark.com

Academy Sports and Outdoors was founded in San Antonio, Texas in 1938.  With over 105 stores in 11 states, Academy is one of the largest and fastest growing retailers in the nation.  For more information, visit www.academy.com or email T.J. Greaney, Outdoor Media Manager for Academy Sports and Outdoors at tj.greaney@Academy.com or call (281) 646-5974.