CCA Florida STAR presented by Yamaha offers students $100,000 in scholarships and community service during the nearly 100-day fishing competition
Orlando, Fla. – August 10, 2020 – CCA Florida, the state’s leading organization dedicated to marine fisheries conservation, education and advocacy, offers Florida’s youth anglers opportunities to win scholarships and earn community service hours by catching fishing and picking up trash, respectively, during its statewide fishing competition CCA Florida STAR presented by Yamaha.
In its sixth year, STAR is the largest, family-friendly saltwater fishing competition in Florida. The nearly 100-day event invites anglers of all ages and skill levels to participate, as it specifically designed two divisions for kids and conservation enthusiasts, the Youth Scholarship Division presented by Academy Sports+ Outdoors and the Costa Kick Plastic Trash Division.
The Youth Scholarship Division is open to kids ages 6 to 17 and offers two, $25,000 scholarships and ten, $5,000 scholarships for a total of $100,000 in winnings. The Trash Division gives students the chance to improve coastal habitats and complete community service hours, as each five-gallon bucket of trash collected, disposed of, and submitted through the STAR app equates to 30 minutes of community service time.
“Unlike traditional fishing tournaments, STAR encourages youth participation, focuses on conservation, and offers $100,000 in scholarships too,” CCA Florida STAR Director Leiza Fitzgerald said. “This year, summer plans have changed for so many, fishing is one activity that is easy and COVID, plus STAR gives kids the chance to be outdoors, conserve coastal resources and make lifelong memories.”
New to 2020, STAR broadcasts a weekly show, STAR Search, detailing the latest highlights, sharing tips on how to succeed in the competition, and featuring live interviews from some of the industry’s most well-known captains. The show’s the second episode is all about the Trash Division, and the third episode, exclusively discusses the Youth Division, and the vast opportunities for STAR’s 6 to 17-year-old participants.
STAR is free for CCA Florida youth members (ages 6 to 17) and for those who need to become a member, youth membership is only $10. STAR’s technology-based format encourages participants of all ages to protect and conserve Florida’s fisheries for today and future generations.
STAR has a total of 17 divisions, including open, ladies, kayak, guides and many more. Most division winners are determined by a random drawing, not by biggest fish, giving anglers of all skill levels a shot at winning.
To register for STAR 2020 or receive additional information on divisions, prizes, and more, visit ccaflstar.comor Facebook.
Contact: Mary Hillyer Peelen| 407.617.0604 | mhpeelen@ccaflorida.org
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About CCA Florida
The Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) was founded in 1977 after drastic commercial overfishing along the Texas coast decimated redfish and speckled trout populations. One of 19 state chapters, CCA Florida became the fifth state chapter in 1985. A 501(c)3 non-profit, the purpose of CCA is to advise and educate the public on the conservation of marine resources. Through habitat restoration projects, water quality initiatives, and fisheries advocacy, CCA Florida works with its over 18,000 members including recreational anglers and outdoor enthusiasts to conserve and enhance marine resources and coastal environments. Join the conversation on Facebook or learn more at ccaflorida.org.
