Third Edition of 'Race Blind' Along the Puerto Vallarta Malecon NotiVallarta
go to original November 15, 2013

The third edition of "Cegatón 2013" ("Race Blind 2013") organized by the System for the Integral Development of the Family (DIF) Puerto Vallarta, through the Municipal Council of Disability (COMUDIS) and the Program of Care for People with Disabilities (PAID), brought together 25 teams coupling sighted participants wearing blindfolds with unsighted partners to learn how it is in the daily life of people with visual impairment.

Participants began arriving early to register for the race with the entry fee donation supporting the Visually Impaired Association (Discapacitados Visuales de la Bahía) in their teaching and learning classes in Puerto Vallarta.

At 10:30 in the morning, the starting whistle went off and the teams headed to the finish line which was established as the arches on the Malecon. A great number of people lined the raceway clapping and encouraging the participants to reach the finish.

Alfredo García and Hugo Ramírez, wearing the number 024, were the first to reach the finish line, and were welcomed with applause. Second place came to team 005 formed by Pedro Antonio Michel and his son, the participants with the number 002 placed third with team members Gustavo Hernández and Fernanda Colener.

The winners received gifts from sponsors such as the Vamar Vallarta Hotel, Peñafiel, Aquapark and el Centro de Belleza Integral, while the Rotary Club of Puerto Vallarta South awarded the last couple to arrive at the finish line with a prize for their efforts.

At the end of the dynamic event, participants agreed on the fact that all should "put on the blindfold and live the experience." It was noted that in this one kilometer race while wearing the blindfold, they could experience the feeling of amplified senses such as hearing and touch, to overcome obstacles that are in the way.

Alonso Bravo Amaral, COMUDIS Puerto Vallarta, made it clear that this activity seeks to recover the spaces required by persons with disabilities.

"It is a good opportunity to celebrate the continuation of the Cegatón each year and send a message to society that we are part of them and that Puerto Vallarta embraces our persons with disabilities," he said.

Translated and edited by Team Angels

  Learn about Assistance for the Visually Impaired

  Learn about Rotary International Puerto Vallarta

  Learn about DIF System for Development of Family Vallarta