We are proud to announce our sponsorship of the Brody Bates Youth Redfish Open fishing tournament established in loving memory of Brody Bates and presented by Sportsman Boats.
Following the tragic loss of 2-year-old Brody in 2019, the Brody Bates Foundation was established in his memory to provide college scholarships to South Carolina-area youth who have lost a sibling. Brody is survived by his parents, Coleman and Kayce, older sister, Porter, and younger brother, Boone, who was born in August 2020.
“We understand the emotional and financial pain that often comes from losing a child,” reads the Foundation’s Website brodybatesfoundation.org. “The Brody Bates Foundation mission is to help others that have been through the same difficult process with the hope that Brody’s story will impact others’ lives and college educations. Through this mission, our goal is to provide college scholarships to area high school seniors that have lost a sibling. With the help of your donations, we can continue to give back to our community while keeping Brody’s story alive for future generations.”
On the Foundations website, Coleman Bates recounts the tragic event that took his son's life and the multiple "Goddisms" and "Godwinks" that took place in the moments leading up to and following the accident. These revelations made a lasting and profound impact on Coleman, his family, and their friends as they navigate through the healing process.
“Being able to work with Sportsman to support such an important community event is very emotional for TACO,” said TACO OEM Sales Manager Mark Henderson. “Keeping Brody Bates' memory alive with the interaction of engaging the community's youth in fishing and boating activities is vital. It is an honor for our team to be considered for supporting the event. Quality time spent with family and friends, even in a competitive friendly environment, brings communities together.”
The Redfish Open, now in its third year, has so far awarded more than $35,000 in scholarships to area youth – a number that will certainly grow following this year’s tournament.
Brody Bates Youth Redfish Open 2021 Promo
The 2022 tournament is slated to take place Saturday, April 2, from the Buck Hall Recreational Area and Boat Landing in Charleston, South Carolina. Registration is limited to the first 50 boats and anglers can compete in 1- or 2-person teams in either the Middle School or High School Division.
In addition to its annual Redfish Open, the Foundation also hosts a Golf Tournament at the Bulls Bay Golf Course.
To learn more about the Brody Bates Foundation and the Youth Redfish Open and to donate, please visit brodybatesfoundation.org.
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