Cultural Status of the Federation of Sports for the Blind and Visually Impaired Alongside Its Prominent Sporting Missions

During the visit of Hojatoleslam wal-Muslimeen Khosropanah to the Federation of Sports for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Dr. Fariba Mohammadi, President of the Physical Education and Sports Sciences Research Institute and honorary member of the federation’s board, emphasized the importance of the cultural aspects of the federation’s activities alongside its sporting missions.

According to the Public Relations  and the Federation of Sports for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Ayatollah Abdolhossein Khosropanah, Secretary of the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution, accompanied by Hojatoleslam wal-Muslimeen Hassan Khani, Deputy for Culture and Development of Public Sports, visited the federation, toured various departments, and met with officials and board members.

Dr. Fariba Mohammadi said, "The main nature of the federation’s activities is cultural; it is not limited to organizing competitions and winning medals but transforms the lifestyle of blind individuals. Sports for this community means reintegration into society, strengthening self-esteem, forming social identity, and creating hope."

She added, "The federation strives to elevate blind and visually impaired individuals from isolation to the championship platform, but it must be understood that athletic careers are short, and these athletes need sustainable employment and life facilities more than anything else."

Dr. Mohammadi stressed the cultural position of the federation: "It is expected that the cultural map of sports in the country assigns a special place to this group and recognizes this federation as a cultural institution."

She noted, "In the planned programs, support for blind sports should be seen as a social responsibility of organizations, and sports for this group can be a tool to change society’s attitude towards empowering people with visual impairments. Moreover, accessibility of sports for the blind and visually impaired must be included in policies and practical measures."