After winning the 2nd Annual PVA Grand National Championship, Angler Jimmy Lankford Finishes 14th in B.A.S.S. Federation Championship

May 28, 2003, WASHINGTON, DC—Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) congratulates disabled angler Jimmy Lankford of Henry, TN, for his outstanding performance against 53 of the world s elite amateur anglers, practically all of whom are able-bodied. The CITGO BASS Federation Championship was held May 12-17, 2003, on Lake Tuscaloosa in Alabama. Lankford finished in 14th place.

Lankford gained entry to this fishing tournament by winning the 2nd Annual PVA Grand National Championship, held last February in Lake Havasu City, AZ.

Short of winning it all, I have to say I am very happy with my performance,” Lankford said. He added that given the number of top anglers in the tournamenttthe overwhelming majority being able-bodiedtthe results ]boosted my confidence pretty high,” he noted. ]It was a very well-organized tournament and for me, an awesome experience, even though it was all hard work.”

Lankford finished number one in the Ranger Cup Program, which is a separate competition among anglers in Ranger Boats at select tournaments. For that accomplishment, Lankford won a Ranger 519VS boat and trailer.

Lankford was a mechanic before incurring his T-12-L1 spinal cord injury in 1983, which resulted in paraplegia. He continues to work on vehicles in his own shop.

BACK