Blind and sighted participants take to tandem bikes in Sofia

Blind and sighted participants will take to tandem bikes in Sofia's West Park on Saturday as part of the "Sport and Solidarity for Sighted and Visually Impaired People" initiative, which uses sporting and cultural activities to promote inclusion and social interaction. 

In tandem cycling, a sighted rider steers the bicycle while a visually impaired participant pedals alongside. According to volunteer Hristo Mirchev, the activity helps participants develop their motor skills while experiencing the freedom of movement. Many participants say the initiative has encouraged them to leave their homes more often and helped them build new friendships and social connections. "Quite often, events planned for just a few hours last much longer because people want to stay together and talk," Mirchev says.

"The events are very valuable because they create opportunities for people to meet and build relationships, breaking down barriers between sighted and visually impaired people," says Monika Metodieva, who has been taking part in the initiative for the past five years.

Three more events are planned before the end of the month. Participants will climb Mount Dupevitsa in the Lyulin Mountains on Sunday, followed by dance lessons on June 27 and role-playing games on June 28.

Editor: Diana Tsankova