Since 2004, the IOC has been running special advocacy campaigns during the Olympic Games, in close partnership with the Organising Committees for the Olympic Games and UNAIDS. Targeting athletes and officials in the Olympic Villages, these campaigns aim at raising awareness about the epidemic and healthy behaviours by providing free condoms in the Village polyclinics.
Musa Njoko, a 31 year-old HIV-positive woman, participated in the Olympic Torch Relay on the Cape Town leg in June 2004. Years ago, Musa was one of the first South African women to publicly disclose her HIV status at a time when the stigma and discrimination associated with HIV and AIDS could have resulted in physical harm and even death. Undeterred by this reality, she has given a voice to women and girls, shattering the silence around issues such as rape, abuse and HIV.
Over 40 million people around the world are living with HIV and many of them are involved in sport, either as spectators or as participants. The sports community has not been spared.
THE CONTRIBUTION OF SPORT - It is a responsibility of the Olympic Movement to make a contribution, as part of civil society. HIV and AIDS are threatening to destroy our collective sporting future, and everyone must play their part in this fight. This is why all of us - whether father or mother, son or daughter, brother or sister, teacher or coach, administrator or community leader, athlete or spectator - are being called on to play a part in the response to HIV and AIDS and in the fight against discrimination.
A TOOLKIT TO HELP YOU - The IOC and UNAIDS have published the first Toolkit for HIV & AIDS prevention through sport. Specifically designed for members of the sports community, it offers:
1. more information about HIV & AIDS, how prevention can be effective, how sport can be beneficial for HIV positive persons, all about testing and counselling, and much more;
2. numerous activities and programmes to be developed with practical suggestions, from basic information sessions with colleagues or athletes, to communications campaigns during sports events, or how to develop a comprehensive policies for sports organisations themselves;
3. specific suggestions for activities for youngsters aged from 10 to 15 years old and over, as they are a crucial target group for prevention;
4. information on who can assist you, what organisations can provide expertise and support.
The International Olympic Committee has developed a comprehensive and easy-to-understand guide to HIV/AIDS and HIV/AIDS in sport.
You can read it HERE.
(This document is available in many languages. Find the links HERE.)
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