Sports on White Cane Day RP patients recorded a different experience

On the occasion of International White Cane Day, 20 blind, partially sighted, and sighted runners gathered at the Revolution Sports Complex to illustrate the importance of proper companionship, independence, and accessibility in a different event.

According to Ambassador Arjan, this time the runners were not supposed to try only to reach the finish line. 10 blind and partially sighted people ran alongside 10 sighted companions to show that sports can be an opportunity to recognize abilities, reduce social distances and experience equal participation.

This program is on the occasion of International White Cane Day and with the slogan "Independence, safety and accessibility; Every citizen's right" was held at the Tehran Revolution sports complex. The event was organized by RP Eye Patient Support Institute in collaboration with Peker Sports Group so that visually impaired and sighted people can exercise together and learn more about the challenges and correct ways of interacting with each other.

One of the main parts of this event was the joint running of 20 participants in two groups of 10; 10 blind and partially sighted people and 10 fellow runners who did sports together. The purpose of this program was not only to encourage physical activity, but the organizers tried to show that with the provision of suitable conditions and correct accompaniment, people with visual impairments can also participate effectively in sports and social activities.

Another part of the program was dedicated to a group game. Participants had to find a specific object using the companion's voice and his verbal instructions. This game was an opportunity to experience in practice the importance of effective communication, mutual trust and the correct way of guiding visually impaired people.

The independence of the blind is not only limited to facilities

On the sidelines of this program, Tehmina Yeganeh, the CEO of RP Eye Patients Support Institute, emphasized the need to pay attention to the citizenship rights of blind and partially sighted people and said: supporting these people is not only limited to providing facilities; Rather, it is necessary for the society to know more about their abilities, needs and rights.

Pointing to the importance of holding such programs, he emphasized: joint sports experiences and direct interaction can help reduce gaps and create a more inclusive society.

According to Yaganeh, International White Cane Day is an opportunity to remember the right of independence of visually impaired people; A right, the realization of which, in addition to making public environments suitable, also depends on increasing the awareness of citizens and correctly recognizing the needs of this group.

Homayoun Shahmoradi, Chairman of the Board of Directors and member of the Board of Trustees of the RP Eye Patients Support Institute, also stated that the main goal of holding this event was to turn the slogan of International White Cane Day into a practical experience.

Emphasizing the necessity of recognizing the rights and needs of visually impaired people, he said that activities such as running, walking and group games can provide an opportunity for more interaction between sighted and blind people.

Shahmoradi also emphasized the necessity of creating equal opportunities for the presence of visually impaired people in social and sports activities and said: joint cooperation in the field of awareness should be increased.