The 2023 Boyz2Men Burger King Fishing Trip was the biggest such event to date, with more than 70 young men taking part from five different schools, both private and government, according to organisers.
It was the first time the fishing trip included students from Calvary Baptist and Hope Academy, which granted the opportunity for boys like Troy Owen to fish for the first time ever.
“I didn’t catch any fish because this was my first time fishing, but I said why not give it a try,” Owen told the Cayman Compass, adding that while the fish weren’t biting his line, the experience “was fun”.
Possibly contributing to Owen’s fun on Saturday, 11 Feb., was the participation of John Gray student Joshua Ebanks, who said that despite many of the boys not knowing each other, there was a real sense of camaraderie throughout the trip.
“Some of them…kept asking me to throw their line out for them so I threw it,” Ebanks said. “It was almost like speaking to family. You could feel the connection. It’s not like you’re speaking to some stranger because we are all in Boys2Men.”
The programme continues to make waves throughout the Islands, which caught the attention of Burger King owner Mark Anthony, who joined Boyz2Men as a premier sponsor late last year.
In adding the BK trademark to another angling event – the next on the calendar is the BK Big Fish tournament in March – Anthony said it’s about giving back to the youth of Cayman.
“We look to impact the greatest number of those in need,” Anthony told the Compass. “Boyz2Men is one of those organisations that has a direct impact with young men that need mentorship and guidance.
“As someone who has experienced a challenged home life, Boyz2Men addresses a need I have felt… I’m proud to be a part of this wonderful organisation.”
Boyz2Men founder Christopher Murray said approximately 45 fish were caught on the day amongst the three boats. He said it was a sight to behold when one of the young men reeled in a catch.
“It was competitive, yet celebratory,” Murray told the Compass. “When one boy caught a fish, noise was being made throughout the entire boat, they were celebrating and shouting.”
Murray added that a young man captaining one of the boats was in fact from the Boyz2Men class of 2014.
“That young man was a part of Boyz2Men nine years ago and, fast forward, he’s now here captaining one of the boats…it’s full circle.”
Following the trip, several boys were given prizes for first fish, biggest fish and most fish.
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