Pre-registration deadline Monday for Lights Out Blindfolded 5K

Sept. 15--CORBIN -- The pre-registration deadline for the annual Lights Out Blindfolded 5K is quickly approaching.

The deadline to pre-register for the fourth annual Lights Out Blindfolded 5K is Monday.

The Lights Out Blindfolded 5K is hosted by the Freeman Foundation, a non-profit organization created to promote awareness and understanding of the needs and potentials of individuals with disabilities.

Dr. Travis Freeman, who lost his eyesight at 12 years old after undergoing surgery for a severe sinus infection behind his eyes, founded the organization to promote his motto -- "disability does not equal inability."

The blindfolded 5K is just one of the many initiatives the Freeman Foundation hosts each year to promote that idea.

"We're continuing to try and find other opportunities and ways to communicate our purpose," said Freeman.

The 5K is done with a partner -- individuals will compete half the 5K blindfolded and led by their partner. At the halfway point, the partners will switch and the other partner will wear the blindfold.

The 5K is not a timed race, Freeman said. All who participate will receive a participation medal.

"We just want people to participate, we want people to have fun with it," Freeman said.

Freeman hopes that the annual blindfolded 5K helps to break down the barriers that exist between those with disabilities and those without disabilities.

"We want to take people out of their comfort zone and let them see how their body adapts to being blind or to the loss of a sense," he said. "I just want people to see that even though you're disabled, even though you may not have one of your senses, you can still function in a normal way. Just because you lose your sight or just because you can't walk or can't hear, that doesn't mean you can't be a normal, functioning part of society."

The event also serves to raise money for ASHCA, an orphanage that houses disabled children from the poorest communities of Haiti that the Freeman Foundation has been supporting since 2015.

"They live in conditions that are beyond anything that we can imagine -- to be able to raise the standard of living for these kids just a little bit is worth a few hours on a Saturday morning," Freeman said. "It can make a huge difference."

The Lights Out Blindfolded 5K will be held on Oct. 6 at the Corbin High School track.

The deadline to pre-register for the 5K is Monday. The cost to pre-register is $20 per person.

Freeman urges individuals wishing to participate in this year's 5K to pre-register, as that will guarantee that you will receive a T-shirt. Those who register after the deadline will not be guaranteed a T-shirt.

Individuals may register on the day of the race for $25 per person. Registration will begin at 8 a.m. the day of the race and the 5K will begin at 9 a.m.

To pre-register, visit https://conta.cc/2utgXZM.

For more information, visit www.travisfreeman.org or visit The Freeman Foundation Facebook page.

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