Eye Can Walk event to shine spotlight on blind pedestrians
During the 5km event the participants will be encouraged to walk in pairs, with one person being partially blindfolded and led by the other person (with a reversal of roles half way into the walk).
THE death of blind Comrades runner, Richard Monisi who was tragically killed in a hit-an-run accident in June, highlights the urgent need for motorists to be more aware of blind pedestrians.
On Wednesday, 13 September, the KZN Blind and Deaf Society hosted a breakfast event to launch its inaugural Eye Can Walk campaign.
With October being eye care awareness month, this walk with a difference is scheduled to take place on Sunday, 15 October, to coincide with International White Cane Day, which is commemorated annually. The walk will start at Berea Rovers and participants will proceed towards Blue Lagoon via the beachfront, finally returning to Rovers. In the 5km event the participants will be encouraged to walk in pairs, with one person being partially blindfolded and led by the other person, with a reversal of roles halfway into the walk.
KZNBDS president Justice Zak Yacoob welcomed the guests and explained what the society has to offer its blind and deaf clients. He explained the need to raise awareness among the sighted community.
Guests were entertained by Bonginkosi Zindela who played the keyboard and sang, and Siyabonga Vilakazi who shared an honest, and at times amusing story of his life as a “white cane user” after the loss of his sight more than 10 years ago.
Shamila Surjoo, KZNBDS director said: “We could have chosen the promenade for the walk, but that would have minimised the impact of the message we are trying to convey to motorists, that they need to be careful and aware of blind pedestrians and athletes.”
The orientation and mobility team asked two guests to volunteer to be blindfolded and guided through the venue to demonstrate the correct way to lead a blind person.
Entries are open for the Eye Can Walk 5km, at R50 per person which includes one blindfold per pair. There will be food stalls and entertainment on the day. Visit www.eventtiming.info/eyecanwalk to enter, visit www.facebook.com/eyecanwalk for more details or email director@kznbds.org.za.
The KZNBDS thanks the following sponsors for their support: The Pavilion Hotel, Pop Up Coffee, Charmaine Lingard at Remax Panache, Dr Kavi Naidu, Martie Willemse, The Laser Studio, JMV Textiles, SAWF, Verulam Athletics, The Holiday Express, The A-List and Aquelle.
