Inaugural DIVE for a CURE Launches

Community Event

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

DIVE for a CURE is the culmination of a dream for Colten White, a survivor of childhood cancer who had a desire to give back to others. This first-ever SPEARFISHING TOURNAMENT will take place on July 15th & 16th in all coastal waters outside St. Andrews Pass in Bay County, Florida.

“My family was praying for a way we could bring awareness to childhood cancer,” Colten said. “We have been diving forever, as it’s our family sport. Since we have a second home on Panama City Beach, it seemed the perfect venue for such an exciting event. In addition, we wanted a way to give back to Children’s of Alabama to benefit pediatric cancer patients from this area, since I received such amazing care from them.”

The spearfishing competition will begin immediately after the food-truck dinner/safety meeting at the Diver’s Den, 3120 Thomas Drive, July 15 beginning at 5:30 p.m.  The contest ends when the scale closes at 4 p.m. July 16. All fish must be weighed in at Divers Den.

All SCUBA-diving contestants must be SCUBA certified and possess a Certification Card.  In addition, all contestants must possess all appropriate Florida State fishing licenses.  (NOTE:  For a complete listing of the 2022 Official Rules, pick up flyers at Diver’s Den, or go online at the DIVE for a CURE Facebook page.  Event specifics are also available through the Children’s of Alabama’s website—https://www.childrensal.org/.)

First and Second place will be given to the heaviest weight fish in each category. (Snapper, Grouper, and Lionfish.)  First and Second place will be given for the most Lionfish removed.  First and Second place prizes will be given for the overall most Snapper, Grouper, Flounder, and Lionfish speared.)  Junior Divers will have a separate category.  All fish weighed in remain the property of the contestant.

TO REGISTER:  Go online at give.childrensal.org/diveforacure or mail a check and entry form to Children’s of Alabama Gulf Coast Office, 128 South St., Mobile, AL 36606.  For more information, call Kerrie Benson at (251) 610-4969.  Event updates will be posted regularly on the website.  You can also register at Diver’s Den 3120 Thomas Drive, Panama City Beach, FL. (850) 234-8717.

Proceeds from Dive for a Cure will benefit Children’s of Alabama, the team that treated Colten’s aggressive cancer resulting in full remission. Monies will be allocated for patients from Bay County, FL at Children’s of Alabama, which treats patients regardless of their ability to pay.

About Children’s of AlabamaSince 1911, Children’s of Alabama has provided specialized medical care for ill and injured children, offering inpatient and outpatient services throughout central Alabama.  Ranked among the best pediatric medical centers in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, Children’s provided care for youngsters from every county in Alabama, 41 other states, and 8 foreign countries last year, representing more than 677,000 outpatient visits and more than 15,000 inpatient admissions.  At 2 million square feet in size, Children’s is the 3rd largest pediatric medical facility in the U.S.  For more information: www.childrensal.org.

Colten White