C.A.S.T., which stands for "Catch a Special Thrill," offers children with disabilities and terminal illnesses an opportunity to enjoy a day of fishing at Steamboat Rock State Park, near Grand Coulee, Washington.

"For some kids, this is their first experience fishing," said Shari Kohlbecker of the Bureau of Reclamation's Regional Office. "For the volunteers, it's a great opportunity to be part of a special experience that these children will remember for a lifetime."

"The children invited range in age from 7-16 years old and have a variety of physical or developmental disabilities and, in some cases, a terminal illness. Each participant will receive fishing gear, a tee shirt, and a hat," Kohlbecker said.

The state bass anglers societies work under the large umbrella of the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society (BASS) and will be on hand with fishing boats and experience to assist novice anglers. The morning fishing events will be followed by a picnic lunch hosted by the Columbia Basin Job Corps Center.

Partners include: Bureau of Reclamation, CAST for Kids Foundation, Shriners Hospital for Children, Columbia Basin Job Corps, local Boy Scouts, Washington State Parks, and Washington Department of Wildlife.

For more background information about the program, contact Shari Kohlbecker at Bureau of Reclamation, Suite 100, 1150 North Curtis Road, Boise ID 83706-1234 or (208) 378-5050.

For information about the August 16th event, contact Jan Schrader, Grand Coulee Power Office (509) 633-9584. In the event of rain the C.A.S.T. event will be canceled.