An organization that works to help veterans and others with mobility challenges enjoy the outdoors is launching an essay contest, named after a downstate resident.

Michigan Operation Freedom Outdoors has announced the David Pollie Classic essay contest. Pollie was injured in a childhood accident and suffered paralysis as a result. While he lost the use of his legs, Pollie never lost his love for the great outdoors.

The MiOFO is a cooperative partnership between the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Eisenhower Center, Camp Liberty, Passing Along the Heritage Foundation, the Brain Injury Association of Michigan, Safari Club International Foundation and many others.

To be able to access the outdoors, Pollie’s family, assisted by an anonymous donor, purchased for him an Action Trackchair, a kind of all-terrain, motorized wheelchair that has tracks in place of wheels. It enabled Pollie, who has since passed away, to continue enjoying the outdoors.

Now, Pollie’s family, in honor of him and his life, has announced a contest that will see someone suffering from mobility challenges be provided with a similar chair. The contest must include a one-page essay or a two-minute video along with an entry form. The MiOFO will provide the chair, once a winner is determined.

The essay or video should detail the reasons why the contest entrant deserves the tracked wheelchair, a press release stated. The essay or video may be produced by friends, family, colleagues or the contest entrants themselves. The contest is open to Michigan residents only and only one entry may be submitted per person.

We support this contest and point to it as a wonderful example of the very good things that can and do happen when people work together toward a higher purpose.

The entry form and complete contest rules can be found at www.miofo.org. Essays and videos will be accepted June 1-30. The winner will be notified Sept. 1.

Entries can be submitted online, and videos should be submitted to davidpollieclassic@gmail.com.