In an effort help educate and create awareness about the blind, visually impaired, and deafblind, Illinois State University’s registered student organization Braille Birds and the College of Education will host a Sports in the Dark event from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, November 16, in the Brown Ballroom of the Bone Student Center. The cost is $5 for students and $7 for all other patrons.
Sports in the Dark will include opportunities to play sports while blindfolded such as goalball, blind hockey, blindfold races, blind orienteering, and beep kickball. U.S. Army veteran Steve Baskis, who lost his vision while fighting in Iraq, will be the featured guest.
As a result of his injuries, Baskis started the Blind Endeavors Foundation to help educate others, conduct research, and make people aware of what is possible when faced with adversity. “I want to spread awareness through exploration and adventure. Make people aware of what someone like me with a disability, or someone who is paralyzed or has another problem, what they’re capable of doing if they have the right support network,” he said.
The proceeds from the event will help support the philanthropic activities of the registered student organization Braille Birds. For more information, contact Olaya Landa-Vialard at 438-8986 or oalanda@ilstu.edu.
