(10/5/09)
Chris Kenyon Honored by NYSOWA Award
NYSOWA and Bass Pro Shops present Chris Kenyon with the “Pass It On Award.”
Lake Placid, NY – Chris
Kenyon of Wolcott, NY was presented with the Pass It On Award at the
New York State Outdoor Writers’ Association annual conference in Lake
Placid on October 3, 2009.
This award is jointly
presented by NYSOWA and Bass Pro Shops in honor of the writer selected
annually as doing the most to pass on a love and understanding of our
outdoor heritage. The writer is chosen from among NYSOWA’s
membership and honored at the fall conference. Bass Pro Shops
makes a significant contribution to the NYSOWA Scholarship Fund in that
individual’s name.
As a regular columnist with the “Finger Lakes
Times,” and “Lake Ontario Outdoors”, and freelance writer with other
publications, as well as Recreational Promotional Coordinator for Wayne
County Tourism, Chris Kenyon has plenty of opportunity to impact
countless readers with his knowledge and enthusiasm for the
outdoors. But it is his work with youth that sets him apart from
most of his colleagues.
Two of the biggest ways that he impacts
youngsters are as coordinator of the Grandslam Youth Derby and the Camp
Smile fishing event. Wayne County Grandslam Challenge Youth Derby
gives kids an opportunity to win neat prizes for a variety of fish
species throughout the summer. About 100 youngsters annually are
involved with this event. He also organizes a special Camp Smile
fishing outing each summer on Lake Ontario involving 20 charter boats
and blind or visually impaired children ages 5 – 18. For many of
the kids it is their first time ever in a boat.
Chris
Kenyon also takes time to work with the Montezuma Audobon Center on
programs involving kids, including their Youth Pheasant Hunt. He
is a constant presence at sportsmen’s events, shows, and anything
involving the outdoors. Kenyon is a tireless advocate for
enjoying the outdoors, preserving the environment, and sharing
knowledge and skills, according to NYSOWA spokesman, William Hilts, Jr.