The Union Pines High cross country team, with assistance from coach Nat Carter and MIRA volunteer Tim Waesche, are hosting a unique event on Saturday, Nov. 10, at 9 a.m., at the track at Union Pines.

Designated a "blind relay," participants will run in pairs for one lap, one blindfolded, the other sighted, and then switch roles; or, if a runner prefers, he or she can tackle the school's cross country course.

This event is a benefit for the MIRA Foundation in Aberdeen, and is being held in honor of Devon Baillie, the MIRA USA guide dog ambassador who succumbed to bone cancer in August. MIRA is the only organization in the United States dedicated to providing guide dogs to blind children and youth between the ages of 11-17.

Waesche, the MIRA volunteer coordinator, says, "The MIRA Foundation is so unique in their service to blind children and youth, and we wanted to give sighted students the opportunity to experience, if only briefly, some of the challenges our blind students face every single day."

Adds Bob Baillie, MIRA's founder, "Some people might be surprised at all of the sports our blind students undertake. We have two students running track, one who does jiu jitsu and plays goal ball, several who play golf, and one who is an accomplished skier. Try doing some of that blindfolded!"

Registration is open the morning of the event.

Awards will be given in the following categories: First-, second-, and third- place finisher on the cross country course, the individual student who raises the most money through pledges, the pair that raises the most money, and the pair who appears to be the most comfortable navigating blindfolded.

Healthy snacks and bottled water will be available, and Rita's Italian Ice will be on-site with flavored ices.

For more information, call the MIRA Foundation at (910) 944-7757.