The annual Miggie Challenge – a freshwater bank angling competition that raises money and awareness for cystic fibrosis and organ donation – takes place on Tuesday May 1 at Paarl Dam, in Paarl.
The competition was started in 2014 to celebrate the 21st birthday of angler Stefan “Miggie” King.
Stefan had cystic fibrosis, a genetic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system. He died two months after that year’s competition, but the Cape Town Angling Club made the Miggie Challenge an annual event to celebrate his life and positive spirit.
Anglers traditionally arrive at the dam dressed in outrageous costumes with crazy fishing tackle. Entry is by donation and all the funds raised on the day are given to someone who has cystic fibrosis. In 2014, they raised R14 000 for Stefan, in 2015 they raised R17 000 for Andries van der Merwe, of Ceres; in 2016 they raised R22 000 for Damian Wolf of Fish Hoek, and last year they raised R52 000 for Oliver Murphy, of Durbanville.Registration starts at 6am and the fishing is from 7am to 2pm.
There will be a prize-giving afterwards with plenty of eats on sale all day long. Visit www.facebook.com/themiggiechallenge for more on the event.