Spain Center Volunteers Will Bait Hooks

The University of Alabama at Birmingham
Office of Media Relations
June 16, 1999

Contact: Hank Black/Andrea Reiber, 205-934-3884

UAB'S SPAIN CENTER VOLUNTEERS WILL BAIT HOOKS FOR FORMER PATIENT'S 'CATFISH ROUNDUP' JUNE 26

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Kirk Thomas of Pelham was prepared for life-with-paralysis by UAB's Spain Rehabilitation Center -- now he heads an organization that opens the great outdoors to others with disabilities.

On June 26, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., staff from Spain will be among volunteers helping help with one of Thomas' efforts--the annual Catfish Roundup at East Lake Park (1st Ave. N. at 84th St.). People with any mental or physical disability may cast a hook into waters stocked with hungry fish. Fishing poles and instant photos are furnished, and volunteers help bait hooks. No pre-registration is necessary. Lunch will be provided free by Arby's.

The Catfish Roundup, held in several cities, is an activity of Wheelin' Sportsmen of America, Inc. (WSA), founded by Thomas three years ago.

Dr. Amie Jackson, medical director of Spain, has endorsed WSA as a volunteer activity. "Kirk Thomas has built an organization that helps a wide range of people with disabilities in ways that fit into the Spain philosophy," Jackson said. "Many more people can participate in non-competitive events than competitive ones. The events are free of charge, open to all with disabilities, and involve cooperation and team-building."

Thomas is one of four people in the country recently nominated for the 2000 Budweiser Outdoorsman Award. He hosts a nationally televised TV series called "Wheelin' Sportsmen Outdoors," serves on the state's Independent Living Council, and is a frequent motivational/educational speaker. He has testified twice before Congress in support of the Disabled Sportsmen's Access Act.

Thomas, hit by a falling tree while hunting, is paralyzed from the waist down. At the Spain Center, he is a "Roll Model" volunteer, part of a cadre of former patients which helps recently injured patients cope with their disabilities.

-30-