Minot and area residents are invited to put on blindfolds and rely on their other senses to try a variety of sports at a Sports in the Dark event hosted by the North Dakota Association of the Blind on Saturday, Oct. 16.

The event celebrating White Cane Awareness Day and National Blind Sports Day will be held from 3-5:30 p.m. at Polaris Park, 712 26th Ave. NW in Minot. The cost to participate is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 12 years and younger.

Proceeds from the event will support the mission of NDAB, a volunteer organization that strives to enhance the way of life for people who are blind or visually impaired, to encourage employment opportunities and to educate the public about sight loss. In support of its global causes, the Minot Lions will be helping to facilitate this event.

Sports in the Dark participants will be able to experience a variety of sports in an accessible format, including blind soccer, beep kickball, beep baseball and goalball.

“By participating in this event, individuals will experience a unique learning opportunity and have fun. They will learn how to make sports accessible for people who are visually impaired or blind and the importance of doing so. Adaptive sports provide an opportunity for individuals with disabilities to gain confidence, and making them accessible is easy to do,” said NDAB President Trampes Brown.

At 5 p.m., there will be a goalball demonstration with Minot community members. This Paralympic sport was initially designed as a rehab activity in England after World War II for veterans. Those in attendance will observe a fast-paced, competitive game that individuals with or without sight loss can compete in on an equal playing field.

October 15 is White Cane Awareness Day, observed annually in the United States since 1964. Minot Mayor Shaun Sipma has signed a proclamation declaring Oct. 15 as White Cane Safety Day in Minot. The use of a white cane is a commonly recognized mobility aid for people who are blind or have low vision.

National Blind Sports Day is celebrated each October and serves as a reminder of the importance of making sports accessible for the blind and visually impaired.

In addition to the Minot event, a Walk for Vision will take place in Fargo on Oct. 15 and a Walk for Vision Olympics will be held in Grand Forks on Oct. 10. All these events will support NDAB and its programs, including summer camp, scholarships and a sports and recreation retreat.