Hank Parker Spokesman for Outdoors Without Limits

8/8/08

ATHENS, GEORGIA-World champion bass angler and popular outdoor television host, Hank Parker, is the new national spokesperson for Outdoors Without Limits, an organization built around communities creating opportunities for disabled individuals to enjoy outdoor related activities.

Parker said, "I have been very blessed to make a living hunting and fishing and I have seen first-hand, that there are many truly great individuals with disabilities who deserve to enjoy the outdoors. I'm a 'people person' and love the idea of being able to contribute. I hope my efforts with Outdoors Without Limits will encourage sportsmen and other caring people to see the need for more outdoor events for the disabled in their community, and get involved in creating those opportunities.

Beyond that, Kirk is a friend. He's in a chair…but he's not really disabled. He's been an inspiration to me and I know he can help people with these challenges lead happier and more fulfilling lives."

Parker also believes too many people in today's world won't take the extra step to help others. "And, he said, "we are depriving ourselves of some great fellowship and interaction with some great people. The disabled community is often overlooked, but I want to share the outdoors with all people. It is truly worth the small amount of extra effort it takes."

"We couldn't have a better national spokesman than Hank Parker," said Kirk Thomas, Outdoors Without Limits founder and CEO. "He and his family live--and love--the outdoor lifestyle and have shown time and again that they care about both people and the outdoors. That's a perfect match for our program."

Outdoors Without Limits was formed in 2007 by Thomas and a board of directors who are dedicated to making the outdoors a vehicle to help the participants with disabilities find more enjoyment, build self-esteem, and increase confidence. Outdoors Without Limits chapters are currently being formed in communities across the country.

Parker revealed that he once observed a group of patients at Atlanta's Shepherd's Hospital struggle with their handicaps. "I knew it would be hard for me to reach them… but Kirk and his team can. I want to help in the best way I can."

There are many ways people can help, according to Parker. He is the very first Outdoors Without Limits "Life Member" and encourages other sportsmen and -women to consider making the same commitment. Forming a local chapter or being an active member of an existing chapter is very important. "I want to challenge everyone to get involved by joining or starting a chapter in their local community, Parker said." Helping individuals with disabilities enjoy the outdoors is fun, exciting and extremely rewarding."

To find out more about Outdoors Without Limits, visit http://www.outdoorswithoutlimits.net Or contact Kirk Thomas at (706) 788-9878.

--30--

About Hank Parker

The CBS Morning Show best described Hank Parker when introducing him as "the rod-n-reel answer to Michael Jordan, in popularity and talent!" Hank has enjoyed a storied professional bass fishing and outdoor television host career that continues to grow each season! His accomplishments on the professional bass fishing tournament trail support the fact he is one of America's greatest bass fishermen to ever compete.

Hank Parker's Outdoor Magazine, is among the most popular on television today and continues to entertain and educate viewers of all ages and skill levels. Hank's professional fishing career began in 1976 when he started fishing the National Bass Association Tournament Circuit, winning their national championship in his first season. The following two years he fished both the National Bass Association and American Bass Association. With this success and help from newly acquired sponsors, Hank began fishing the Bass Anglers' Sportsmen's Socitey (B.A.S.S.) Tournament Trail-winning the BassMaster's Classic in both 1979 and 1989. He also was the first angler to win the Grand Slam of Bass Fishing, which included the Classic, B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year, and the B.A.S.S. SuperBass Tournament. Amazingly, Hank finished "in the money" in 76% of all the tournaments he fished during his B.A.S.S. career.

Hank's television series launched in 1985 with national syndication. The following season the series moved to The Nashville Network. In subsequent years the series has aired on the National Network, The Outdoor Life Network, The Outdoor Channel, and now resides on the Versus Network.

Media Contact:
Kirk Thomas (706) 788-9878 or kthomas@outdoorswithoutlimits.net