NOMINATIONS FOR FORREST L. WOOD SPORTSMANSHIP AND COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AWARD NOW OPEN

MINNEAPOLIS (May 12, 2015) – Nominations for the 2015 Forrest L. Wood Sportsmanship and Community Leadership Award are now being accepted. The annual award recognizes a Walmart FLW Tour professional angler who best displays an overall commitment to sportsmanship and community leadership, on and off the water, by demonstrating ethical behavior, upholding integrity, class, selflessness, conservation efforts and demonstrating kindness to others.

From conservation to community strengthening, FLW cares about the anglers, sponsors and the millions of fans that enjoy its bass fishing tournaments each year. By recognizing the outstanding individuals who set a high standard with their approach on and off the water, FLW hopes to set the tone for tournament fishing and to pass those values on to its anglers, sponsors, fans and host communities.

Eligible candidates must be a registered FLW Tour pro angler. Several criterions will be taken into consideration for the award. Anglers must exhibit profound respect and civility for all competitors, fisheries, tournament staff and fans.  Outstanding individuals will demonstrate an ability to accept victory and defeat with dignity and grace as well as uphold the highest level of humility and integrity. Award winners display the utmost commitment to conservation, community service and volunteerism.

Past winners of the prestigious award include Walmart pro Mark Rose, Jason Christie and Rich Dalbey. During the 2014 season, Dalbey coordinated food drives at every Walmart FLW Tour stop. The drives collected more than 800 pounds of food and generated enough money to pay for more than 3,000 meals in local communities. The drives were so successful that Dalbey continues to host one at all FLW Tour events.

Those interested in nominating a FLW Tour pro angler must submit a nomination form to Allie Gibbs, FLW Community Outreach Manager, no later than Friday, July 24, 2015. Submissions can be emailed to allie.gibbs@flwfishing.com, faxed to (270) 252-1001 or mailed to FLW at 30 Gamble Lane, Benton, Kentucky, 42025. Self or peer nominations will be accepted. After all forms are completed, an FLW committee will narrow the nominees and unveil the recipient at the 2015 Forrest Wood Cup presented by Walmart in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

For a 2015 Forrest L. Wood Sportsmanship and Community Leadership Award nomination form, click here.