There will be opportunities galore for people to try out angling for the first time at this year’s National Fishing Week the Environment Agency revealed today. This year’s event will be bigger and better than ever before as it enters the second year of the Environment Agency’s 3-year support. Angling is the most popular participation sport in the country with over four million people active last year and research has shown that as many again would like to try out the sport.
Fishing is a truly inclusive sport for all and it can play a particularly important role in some people’s lives for instance among those with disabilities, for whom it is a favourite activity to try out. The sport can also play an important role in tackling community issues such as anti-social behaviour, young offending and social exclusion.
Richard Wightman, the Environment Agency’s Angling Development Manager explained: “Common sense tells you that if more than 4 million people do something by choice they must be getting something positive out of it. Fishing is popular with people of all ages and from all backgrounds and educational performance and school attendance have improved among groups who have been on specialist angling courses which we support.”
Angling is also a particularly good tool for lifting people’s mood and increasing their self-esteem. This is one of the reasons why the Government has recently strengthened the Environment Agency’s role in developing angling participation.
Richard went on to say: “We know that angling can play even more important roles in some people’s lives. By supporting National Fishing Week we will help to create a flagship event where beginners of all ages and backgrounds can try out fishing in safe, organised surroundings. Plus with free tuition from the best coaches, free gear and rod licences it won’t cost you a penny – so get out there, get hooked and give angling a go!”
More information about National Fishing Week can be found at www.nationalfishingweek.co.uk or by phoning the hotline on 0906 304 304.
FISHINGmagic is playing it’s part during National Fishing Week with a Junior Teach-in that includes a free meal and lots of free gear and bait.
