by: Claire Overton
Posted: Sep 17, 2024 / 12:51 PM EDT | Updated: Sep 17, 2024 / 07:54 PM EDT
SOUTHWICK, Mass. (WWLP) – A fishing tournament is taking place in Southwick at the Congamond Lakes.
This tournament brings U.S. veterans out on the water, puts a fishing rod in their hands, and allows them to relax, and through these experiences, fishing becomes a therapy.
U.S. Marine veteran Joe Kowalski founded the Major Steven Roy Andrews Fishing Outreach Program, named after his best friend after he found fishing to become a therapy for him after serving. He wanted to share his experiences with other vets to see if it helped them too.
The fishing tournament is now in its 12th year, with one in the spring and a second in the fall and Kowalski has personally helped 384 veterans with fishing as a form of therapy.
“Every time I take a vet out, they get a brand new rod and reel, a tackle bag full of gear, and they have therapy for the rest of their lives,” said Kowalski.
The event is in partnership with Gaylord Sports Association, Connecticut Bass Nation, and Major Steven Roy Andrews Fishing Outreach Program. All of the fishermen are volunteers who bring their boats, equipment, and knowledge to share with the veterans when they take them out.
They spend from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Congamond Lakes with a weigh-in after, awarding prizes to the top three places. Veterans come back each year because the other veterans have become family to them.
Many of the veterans in attendance urge other veterans to come out to events like this one, where they experience something new and relaxing and can forget about everything else while forming another family.