On October 11, 2024, Tournament Founder Katie Lewis and advisory board member Kim Gregory attended the Marathon High School Special Olympics Pep Rally. The school was rallying behind the weightlifting team headed to regionals. Not only did the weightlifters get recognized, but the school also showed support for the Special Olympics bocce, bean-bag toss, and soccer teams. Both the middle and high schools gathered in the gym to wish the teams well and show tremendous support.

Members of the Marathon Special Olympics Weightlifting Team

Katie had originally planned to present a joint check with Mission Fishin’ founder Tony Davis to the local Special Olympics organization at the pep rally before the school. While Katie had already donated proceeds from her annual fishing tournament to Mission Fishin’, she suggested they partner with the Marathon Special Olympics to make some local impact. Tony Davis agreed, was excited about the opportunity to support this cause, and insisted Katie be part of the ceremony.

Unfortunately, Hurricane Milton had just hit the west coast, and his local church called on Tony Davis for help with the hurricane recovery effort. Katie wanted Tony to be part of the presentation, so instead, she postponed the check ceremony.

Katie remained committed to supporting the event, so she still attended. At one point, while Coach Freeman was speaking to the crowd, he invited her to join him on stage. As she stood beside him, Coach Freeman announced to the entire school that, thanks to Mission Fishin’ and the Marathon Premier Sailfish Tournament, the Marathon Special Olympics would receive a $20,000 check to help support their needs.

The gym erupted with cheers, and photos were taken of Katie along with some of the children, the school’s principal, Ms.Paul, and Cathy Warner, the Marathon Special Olympics sponsor. It was a remarkable pep rally to send the kids off to regionals.

Principal Paul in black, Katie Lewis in pink, and Cathy Warner in yellow.

Later that weekend, Ms. Warner texted Katie that three of her students received first place at regionals and two qualified for states. How amazing!

Katie, Kim, and Tony met at Marathon High School a few days ago to present the big check to the Marathon Special Olympics. They met with Cathy, her players, and Ruth Coleman, the Monroe County district organizer for the Special Olympics. The money donated will help in so many ways. Each time the teams and players travel for regionals and states out of county, the funds will help with travel expenses such as bus rides, hotel, food, etc.

Cathy was so thankful and overjoyed that she would now have the ability to get the proper uniforms and supplies for her students who may not be able to afford these sports items.

When asked about the new partnership with the Marathon Special Olympics, Katie said, “We are proud to help the Special Olympics grow and develop. We look forward to following their journey throughout the school year, and seeing these children thrive!”

When Katie was initially researching how to make more of an impact locally, she began having phone conversations with Ruth and Cathy; it was evident that the Marathon Special Olympics Teams were in need. She discovered that the Key Largo and Key West Special Olympics chapters benefited from private donors who helped cover athlete expenses. While Publix generously supports the organization as a whole, the Marathon chapter needed local donors. Katie felt like it was the perfect fit and was delighted Mission Fishin’ agreed!

Currently, the Marathon Special Olympics serves middle and high school students. However, Cathy, the program’s leader, hopes to expand into elementary schools. Katie will continue supporting these efforts, believing the program can have an even greater positive impact by reaching more children. This, is only the second year Cathy has led the organization in Marathon, and her leadership shows promise to help it thrive.

If you are interested in getting involved with the Marathon Premier Sailfish Tournament, supporting Mission Fishin’, and now the Marathon Special Olympics organization, feel free to contact us by calling +1 (305) 783 8313 or visiting our contact page.