ELIZABETH TOWNSHIP — For those who are physically challenged, it is one special day set aside for them to have an opportunity to enjoy outdoor pursuits that may otherwise seem off-limits.

The seventh annual Wheelin’ Sportsmen Fishing Day will be 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday, April 15, at the Wayne National Forest Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area boardwalk.

Wheelin’ Sportsmen provides individuals across the country who have mental and physical challenges with opportunities to participate in fishing, hunting, bird watching, and other outdoor pursuits.

It is hosted through a partnership that includes the South Hills Longbeards Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, Wayne National Forest, Ohio University Southern Nature Center, Lawrence County Bass Club, Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife, and City National Bank.

Over its six-year run the fishing day has gotten numerous accolades. In 2009, the Wayne National Forest Wheelin’ Sportsmen Program was recognized at the NWTF National Convention in Nashville, Tennessee.

The NWTF presented the Ironton Ranger District the Making Tracks with the Forest Service National Award for Conservation Education.

The organization spoke highly of the District’s work to partner with the South Hills Longbeards Chapter of the NWTF to provide events and new venues for sportsmen with disabilities in the national forest. The Lawrence County Commissioners recently issued a proclamation naming April 15th “Wheelin’ Sportsmen Day,” an honor the government entity has bestowed in previous years as well.

Lake Vesuvius is located off Hwy 93, approximately one-mile east on Lawrence County Road 29 (Paddle Creek Road).

Those interested in participating in the Wheelin’ Sportsmen Fishing Day should contact the Wayne National Forest’s Ironton Ranger District at (740) 534-6500 to pre-register.