A fishing derby organized by the Donegal Chapter of Trout Unlimited (DTU) in collaboration with the Lancaster Special Olympics took place on June 17. The event was hosted at Hugh Wenger's residence in Elizabethtown and planned by lead organizers Wenger; Claire Landis, president of DTU; and Tony Watts, a member of the Special Olympics leadership team.

A total of 10 athletes, accompanied by their guests, participated in the derby, receiving assistance from 29 DTU volunteers. The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission (F&BC) provided fishing rods, while Kinsey's Outdoors supplied the bait.

To facilitate the smooth movement of supplies and assist guests, Messick's Equipment offered a utility transport vehicle. Andy Desko, aquatic resource program specialist from the Pennsylvania F&BC, acquired a special fishing event permit and provided guidance for the event.

The derby began a 9 a.m. in the well-stocked pond, showcasing the contestants' angling skills. The contestants successfully caught a variety of species, including catfish, bluegills and smallmouth bass. By noon, the Olympians had collectively reeled in more than 140 fish, with Caroline Whitson leading the pack by catching 25 fish. The attendees also had the opportunity to observe the red-winged blackbirds, listen to the croaking bullfrogs and catch glimpses of turtles surfacing from the water.

At noon, DTU member Stan Shenk and his crew served lunch to all the participants. The meal was accompanied by snacks provided by Utz and Pepperidge Farm.