The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge reported that the Ninth Annual “Ding” Darling & Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament will take place on May 14, having been postponed from the 2020 date due to COVID-19.

That means the prize purse is twice the original size, as all 55 teams donated their 2020 fees and will kick in fees again for 2021.

Although the tournament is sold out, teams can still add their names to a waiting list by contacting April Boehnen at aprilb@dingdarlingsociety.org.

The entry fee for a new team of four is $1,000.

In its eight years of existence, the tourney has raised nearly $500,000 to support wildlife research and conservation efforts at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel. Support comes entirely from the event sponsors, the captain’s dinner, silent auction and other donations.

For more about sponsorships, contact Boehnen at aprilb@dingdarling society.org or visit www.dingdarling society.org/downloadable-files/5dd6dbdaa88b376244be401b.pdf.

The “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge is located at 1 Wildlife Drive, just off Sanibel-Captiva Road, on Sanibel Island.