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Morgenthaler is a three-time Bassmaster Classic qualifier and has
several FLW Top 10 tournament finishes. He became involved with Special Olympics
Illinois in 2005 when he donated a day-long fishing trip as part of an online
auction sponsored by the organization. Special Olympics athletes were on hand at
Crab Orchard Lake in southern Illinois to see Morgenthaler and the auction
winner begin their fishing trip. That experience led to Mergenthaler's interest
in hosting a charity tournament for the organization.
“I was inspired by the courage and enthusiasm shown by the Special Olympics
athletes,” said Morgenthaler. “After talking more with Special Olympics
Illinois, we agreed a fishing tournament would be an exciting way to introduce
the organization and its athletes to a previously untapped audience of
fishermen.”
Chad Morgenthaler, 42, has been a professional bass fisherman since 2002. He is
sponsored by Jasper Engines & Transmissions, Phoenix Boats, Yamaha Motors,
Lunker Lure – Hawg Caller, Svanda GM Motor Group, Solar Bat, Power-Pole, Nameoki
Village Marine, Abu Garcia, Trilene, Plano Tackle, Minn Kota, Element 21
Fishing, Optima Batteries and Professional Anglers Association.
Special Olympics Illinois is a not-for-profit organization offering year-round
training and competition in 19 sports for more than 22,000 athletes with
intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics programs enhance physical fitness,
motor skills, self-confidence, social skills and encourage family support.
The Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run is the single largest year-round
fund-raising event benefiting Special Olympics Illinois. The intrastate relay
and its various fundraising projects have two goals: to raise money and increase
public awareness for the athletes of Special Olympics. Each year, more than
3,000 officers in Illinois run more than 1,500 miles carrying the Flame of Hope
through the streets of their hometowns and deliver it to the State Summer Games
in Normal in June.
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