Montana’s outdoors are some of the most beautiful natural landscapes on earth. Unfortunately many Montanans have a difficult time enjoying all the outdoors has to offer due to physical limitations. MonTECH is an organization that uses state funding and grants to loan assistive technology to Montanans in need.
Recently MonTECH joined up with the Missoula Parks and Recreation department to put on a series of youth fishing derbies. During 2 sessions between 70 and 90 families participated in the derby fishing in the Clark Fork river in Missoula. During the event Parks and Rec. taught sustainable fishing practices to the youth and their families. They even awarded prizes for biggest and smallest fish, as well as prettiest and ugliest fish.
MonTECH also had a presence at the derbies by demonstrating and providing some recreation equipment, including adaptive fishing poles. The event also featured local wheelchair athlete Joe Stone as well as the mascot Silver the Raccoon.
For more information about recreation activities in Montana visit the Missoula Parks & Recreation website at <http://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/157/Parks-Recreation>. For more information about assistive technology contact MonTECH at 406-243-5751.
-Article by Charles Peet