May 15, 2013
By Christopher Collins
Left, Long Nguyen, tournament coordinator and SE Forum moderator.
It's almost here: The 2013 Florida Sportsman Southeast Bash & Tournament. Last year the SE Bash was a huge success, with a great turnout and memories that will last forever, all for a good cause. This year, we're doing it again. Already, more contestants are signed up, making donations and waiting to hoist their catches onto the scales on May 17-18.
The director of the tournament, Long Nguyen, dropped by the FS office here in Stuart to give us a rundown on what to expect this year, needless to say, it's looking good.
When it comes to turnout, Nguyen only has one thing to say, "We're going to need more buckets!" With 142 signed up as of this morning, it looks like the expected 150 people will definitely be in attendance, and we will be making room for more. Big thanks to Lowe's for the 150 bucket donation, hopefully they won't mind us asking for more!
Of course, it's a lot of hard work and dedication that has brought the bash to where it is now, explained Nguyen, who has been going door-to-door asking for donations, meeting up with volunteers, and arranging all the details that will bring this event to life come tournament day. However, Nguyen admits he couldn't do it alone and sends out a big thanks to all of the volunteers and sponsors, "It's worth it, it's all for a good cause."
David Jouppi, the beneficiaries father, has done a lot to help round up the troops, bring in donations, and gather support. Dave Merz and Mike Senecal (Sene and Keylime on the FS Forum) have also been a major help in making and creating donations for the event. Darrell and Cricket Schuler, part of the tournament committee, will be there with their daughters on the day of the event to lend a helping hand. Companies such as Evakool, Penn, Salt Life, Jersey Mikes, Lowe's, Hoo-Rag, Parrot Shine, and many more companies have also made generations captains bucket, raffle, and prize donations.
"Registering to fish is a no brainer, whether you're fishing or not! If you are fishing, we've got some great first, second, and third place prizes lined up. If you aren't fishing, we have the prefect venue to hangout, eat, and enjoy the best of what South Florida has to offer. There will also be plenty of silent auction and raffle prizes to win!," remarked Nguyen, on the official Forum thread.
Come tournament day, it's good food, great prizes, and the FS community comes together to make memories that will last forever and ultimately help someone special in need. For more information and to register, visit the tournament page, here.
