THE Evangelies Gereformeerde Kerk has decided to host their annual fishing competition earlier this year, to coincide with the start of the Spring season to test the participants’ fishing skills.
The fishing competition, which requires participants to fish from Sundays River to Eerste River to qualify, began on September 1 and will continue until September 30.
Ds Ruan van Vuuren said the value of the prize money has been drastically increased to make the competition more attractive.
He said that they plan to offer more appealing prizes each year, but only if they receive a good response from the public.
Van Vuuren also said that they have shortened the length of the competition from two months to one, since drawing it for a long period results in the participants losing interest.
“We once again have very good prizes provided by sponsors, and these prizes, unlike the cash prizes for the biggest fish, will be offered to all ticket holders so that the public can also share in the prizes, and not just the participants,” said Van Vuuren.
He said that this year participants will walk away with prizes worth R20 000, while non-participants will get prizes worth R30 000.
Van Vuuren said that the biggest prize for non-participants will include a weekend away for eight people to the Camp Karoo Lodge, worth R16 000.
“In total the prize money has been increased from R30 000 last year to R50 000 this year,” said Van Vuuren.
Tickets cost R200 and can be purchased by contacting Angling Marine on 042 296 1740, Nelson on 082 461 2488, Neels 083 787 3379, Jan on 082 459 8465 or Lorinda on 081 466 0012.
To enter the competition, participants are required to send a picture of their fish, measured from tail to mouth, with their fishing ticket via WhatsApp to 072 804 3999.
Prizes will be handed over on October 7 at 10:30, during the church’s market day at Newton Hall where there will be many quality food stalls.
Van Vuuren said that children can look forward to a big surprise, with popular music performers and YouTube sensation, Oom Karoolus and Lente, performing at the market day at 11:00.
“Oom Karoolus and Lente have been bringing the good news message to children for 36 years. Through children’s services, art festivals, school performances, gospel festivals, programmes on radio and TV and so much more, many children and adults have been reached. They have a full-length movie, three short films, and several other DVD and CD productions where they proclaim the message of Jesus Christ, and what He came to do through the cross and resurrection,” said Van Vuuren.
“Come and enjoy a lovely gathering with nice sing-along songs, stories, and fun things to do. The market day promises to be an enjoyable day for both young and old.”
Entry to the market day and Oom Karoolus and Lente’s performance is free.
