With the proportion of prostate cancer cases in the late stage on the Central Coast almost double the national average, Coasties are being encouraged to prepare their fishing gear for the fundraiser 2023 PIRTEK Fishing Challenge.
The Challenge is an online national fishing competition open to all ages and experience levels, to support the work of Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA).
It is the largest fishing competition in the country, with all competitors receiving a limited-edition cap, brag mat and sticker and junior competitors receiving a bonus packet of Berkley soft-plastic lures.
This year’s Challenge will be a two-day event taking place on Saturday and Sunday, April 22 and 23.
PIRTEK has partnered with PCFA since 2009, helping to raise vital funds for research and awareness in support of the 66 Australian men diagnosed with prostate cancer each day.
The Challenge also supports the Peter Duncan Neurosciences Research Unit, which has recently been lauded as the number one Neuroscience Research facility in Australia.
Competitors who register will fish for their favourite species, photograph their catch on the brag mat with their angler number and codeword clearly visible and upload the photo to the website for judging.
There are 22 target species nationally covering all states and territories, both fresh and saltwater.
PIRTEK CEO Mark Devitt said the Challenge had developed and grown over the past 15 years.
“This is all made possible by the wonderful support from our keen competitors,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to seeing smiling faces and some great fish photos from the April event.”
Event Director Michael Guest said it didn’t matter whether participants were experienced anglers or picking up a rod for the first time.
“The PIRTEK Fishing Challenge is all about getting together with your friends and family, having fun and supporting our charity partners,” he said.
Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia CEO Anne Savage said the event made a remarkable contribution to its mission each year, raising significant awareness and funds.
“The Challenge has been casting a line out to support men’s health since 2009, netting a local and national impact that cannot be under-estimated,” she said.
“Above and beyond fundraising, their efforts go a long way to promoting prostate cancer awareness, getting the conversation started about early detection.
“The Pirtek Fishing Challenge plays a pivotal role in driving forward life-saving research and improving survival outcomes for the one-in-five Australian men who will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.
“This year’s Challenge is set to be the biggest and best yet – we’d love to see Australians of all ages fight a fish for prostate cancer research.”
This year’s Challenge is offering a record $280,000 in cash and prizes, with mystery length prizes of $2,500 and $1,500 up for grabs.
The mystery lengths are awarded in each category for the fish measuring closest to a secret measurement determined by the event organizers.
These lengths are generally of an average-sized fish giving everyone the opportunity to win.
The event also has a $100,000 On The Water prize draw, proving participants don’t have to catch big to win big.
Prizes include an impressive list of fishing gear, ranging from a $39,649 Stacer 469 Outlaw side console boat motor trailer package to Berkley/ABU Garcia tackle packs (1x$2,000 and 4x$1,000) and a host of prizes from Valvoline, BAR Pressure washers and Mako eyewear.
An extensive range of merchandise is available on the website, including fishing shirts, t-shirts, neck buffs and broadbrim hats.
For more information and to register visit pirtekfishingchallenge.com.au.
For prostate cancer information and support, visit www.pcfa.org.au or call 1800 22 00 99.
The Central Coast Prostate Cancer Support Group meets at Terrigal Uniting Church on the last Friday of each month.
More information is available at https://www.pcfa.org.au/support/find-a-support-group/central-coast-pcsg/.
Source:
Media release, Mar 21
PIRTEK