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KIRKSVILLE, MO -- With the help from the El Kadir Shrine Club, a group of Heartland kids were enjoying the outdoors on Saturday.  The Shriners in Kirksville sponsored a youth fishing day for the developmentally disabled at the Missouri Department of Conservation pond.

Event organizer Jack Ward said the day was all about the kids.

“The main thing is some of these kids have never caught a fish before or even had the opportunity to fish” Ward said.  “So now they’re given the opportunity and also someone is willing to help them and show them the right way.  It’s wonderful not only to see the Shriners, but the young kids and everyone’s just having a tremendous time and fun and that’s what it’s all about.”

All of the fishing poles and tackle were provided.  Everyone also enjoyed a free lunch of hotdogs, chips, and soda.

Ward said after the success of this year, the El Kadir Shrine Club hopes to make this an annual event.