By Ann LeVarn, Adaptive Sports NE Manager of Outreach & Administration

“I was scared”

“My sense of balance was off”

“It is way easier being a guide”

“I had to really trust and listen to my partner”

“I was not focused on my running, I was just listening to my guide”

These are some of the quotes I heard from the high school student-athletes who tried running while blindfolded during the 2018 New England Student Leadership Conference held at Worcester State.  225 high school students from across New England rotate through selected Para sport activities including sitting volleyball, wheelchair basketball, left-handed whiffleball, and of course blind running.  The level of enthusiasm expressed by the students, volunteers and MIAA organizers was amazing. The best thing is each participant came away from this experience with a better understanding of Para sports and the knowledge that Para sport athletes can and do participate in community, high school and college athletics.