Jennifer Boylan: Just because they’re blind doesn’t mean they can’t play
The blind can do the same work as sighted peers provided the opportunity. Community Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired endeavors to help break down societal stereotypes and open the playing field.
You’ve seen a person who is blind walking independently with a cane. How about blind bowling? Blind baseball? Access to sports is not limited by lack of vision.
The physical, mental and social benefits of team sports are well known; group recreational activities help prevent isolation, build confidence and strengthen bonds among the blind. Members of Community Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired and Visually Impaired Persons Support are networking, forging new friendships and continuing to build bridges between the visually impaired communities in San Joaquin and Stanislaus Counties. CCBVI members participate in Modesto VIPS’ White Cane Safety Walk in October 2014, and VIPS clients ventured to Stockton last May to take a swing at beep baseball.
VIPS participants will host CCBVI’s White Cane Bowlers at McHenry Bowl on Feb. 25, at 11 a.m. Catch all the action, friendly competition and contagious comradery as blind bowlers strike up new friendships based on a sport that is right up their alley!
Jennifer Boylan, Stockton
This story was originally published February 15, 2016 at 12:15 PM with the headline "Jennifer Boylan: Just because they’re blind doesn’t mean they can’t play."