SOLDIER ON THE RED FISHING DERBY - 2026 - SELKIRK PARK, MB

The application period for Soldier On members wishing to participate in the Soldiers on the Red Fishing Derby is now open. The application deadline is 21 June 2026 at 2345 hrs central time.

AIM AND SCOPE OF EVENT: 
Soldier On, in collaboration with Walleye Anglers Association of Manitoba (WAAM), will host the Soldiers On the Red Fishing Derby at Selkirk, MB. The event will take place at Selkirk Park on Saturday, 18 Jul 26. WAAM has also coordinated a fishing derby with MFRC Winnipeg, same date, same location, so that Soldier On family members and 17 Wing CAF members and family members are able to participate.

This activity will bring together both Soldier On serving and retired ill/injured members, allowing participants to connect through peer support and encourage a healthy and active lifestyle. The event will provide an opportunity for Soldier On participants to learn or improve their fishing skills. No fishing license or boat is required. WAAM will provide all required fishing equipment including life jackets.

The number of Soldier On participants is limited to 20.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: 
Any serving member or veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) from the Winnipeg and surrounding area (100km) who acquired a permanent physical or mental health illness or injury while enrolled as a member of the CAF; whether attributable or not to service.

Selected Serving members will require the approval of their Chain of Command to participate. 

DRAFT SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

Saturday 18 July 2026:
-0700 hrs: Depart 17 Wing for Selkirk Park via DND bus,
-0800 hrs: Arrive at Selkirk Park,
-0800-0900 hrs: Welcome address, safety briefing, and pre-derby preparations (assign participants to boats),
-0900-1230 hrs: Fishing Derby,
-1230-1400 hrs: BBQ,
-1400-1430 hrs: Mementos and Speeches,
-1500 hrs: wrap up, tear down, & departure,
-1600 hrs: Arrive at 17 Wing Parking Lot.

TRANSPORTATION & MEALS:
Transportation will be provided from 17 Wing Winnipeg to Selkirk park and back. 

A BBQ lunch will be provided.

Mental & Physical Requirements:
Applicants must be able to tolerate 4 hours of light paced activities. Due to the busy activity schedule, applicants must have a limited requirement for rest throughout the day. 

Applicants will be joined with other ill/injured members and civilians, and therefore should be able to function in a social environment. Applicants are advised that the activity and meals for this event is/may be located at Canadian Armed Forces bases/facilities, and thus they may be exposed to a day-to-day military environment. Applicants also acknowledge that there will be no alcohol allowed at this event.