Enthusiasm warmed the crowd of MS Gulf Coast Buddy Sports Participants despite freezing temperatures. It was the morning of November 2, 2019, and it was time to go “Fishing with Buddies” for a nearshore charter boat experience. The event is new this year to MS Gulf Coast Buddy Sports, a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity organization that provides recreational sports and leisure opportunities for youths and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  In addition to support from the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department, the organization has received grants from the Mississippi Department of Wildlife Fisheries and Parks, Coast Electric Power Association’s Community Roundup, and Walmart to help implement these fun activities. 
The program includes fishing events nearshore  and in-shore as well as saltwater/pier fishing and fresh water pond experiences.
Everyone lined up while munching Krispy Kreme Donuts to don their life vests and receive their fishing poles. The glee of the crowd awaiting word for direction to the boat they would board was evident in the faces of all the participants. Most had never been on a boat or ever gone fishing!  This was high adventure!  
Twelve charter and private boats were waiting to get underway with their 51 “Buddies” and friends aboard.  A family member and/or volunteer “Buddy” were there to help special needs participants enjoy the day fishing between Long Beach and Gulfport city harbors. 
The event participants gathered at the Long Beach Harbor under Reenie’s Southern Kitchen Restaurant. When given the word all boarded the boats in the harbor and experienced a two-hour fishing trip on the very calm waters of the Gulf of Mexico within view of the parents and sponsors who were waiting to hand out event T-shirts and pizza provided by Domino’s, and listen to fish tales. Dad’s Super Pawn and Sea Tow also contributed to the event. 
Participants caught a total of 41 fish, most of which were released. The next “Fishing with Buddies” event will be offered in the spring. 
According to the organization’s Web site, MS Gulf Coast Buddy Sports was created in 2010 by Mike and State Representative Carolyn Crawford. “Our daughter, Emily, has always been active in sports, just like her siblings. Unfortunately, after playing in the T-ball league, she could not play well enough to join the more competitive leagues. We started Buddy Ball so Emily and her friends could continue to play ball, just like her sister and brother.”
As the organization and its programs continue to grow, discussions center around more opportunities for players to participate in other sports and leisure activities.