Record Breaking R4R Fall Tournament

Risers 4 Rett – Fall Tournament 2020

Blog post by Austin Shaw

For years now I have been hearing about these Riser’s tournaments, but I never had the chance to go – there was always some kind of conflict with school or hockey. In fact, I was supposed to go earlier this spring prior to the pandemic. It actually became a running joke amongst the family that I would never make it to the event.

Thankfully, the stars aligned this September and I was finally able to attend on the weekend of September 25-27, 2020 in Almont, Colorado – and I was not let down. Though I didn’t have any experience at previous events to use as a point of reference, the bar was certainly set high. This year, to meet COVID guidelines, the festivities were moved outside to a large tent with a full bar, live music, and great company. Mike Shelly (from Moe'’s BBQ, a R4R sponsor), Ed Kammerer and their respective teams knocked it out of the park with excellent meals every night.

The fishing this year did not disappoint either. The competition was tight throughout the first day until Jim Weatherwax and Terry Kishiyama ran away with it after catching a couple monster fish on the second day. Check out some of the pictures on our “What a Catch” page.

As a newcomer to the event, there were a number of things that stood out to me from the weekend. Sure, there was food, drinks, and good music, but the thing that really got my attention was the sense of community, commitment, and resiliency. Despite the pandemic, this amazing group of people still got together to rasie an event record breaking $117,000 for the Rett Clinic at Children’s Hospital Colorado! It was incredibly special to feel that energy in the tent. I am truly thankful for having the chance to attend and will certainly be back for future tournaments.

I highly recommend attending an event. To get more information visit the events page. The spring 2021 event is already sold out but keep your eye out for fall 2021 registration opening in early 2021.