World Aids Day

"In sport we unite againts HIV and AIDS"
December 1, 2006 Worlds Aids Day Event in Gugulethu

Close to two weeks ago, it was World Aids Day. I am not sure what sort of coverage this day got where you are, but here HIV and AIDS is a major, major issue. This exerpt from www.amref.org gives some insight:

"South Africa may be one of Africa’s strongest economies, but the HIV pandemic has weakened the nation, taking a severe toll on its adult workforce. With one of the highest HIV prevalence rates on the planet (Over 20% of the population aged between 15 and 49 is HIV positive), South Africa has witnessed the devastating effects of this disease further stretch the resources of a public health system already stretched to capacity."
I have met many children orphaned from HIV and AIDS and many who are HIV positive themselves. This is why I was eager to support a day of HIV awareness and empowerment for youth. Christa, Paul, Ryan and I went to Gugulethu where over 700 attendees were on site for a youth sports day, run by Ikamva and Hoops for Hope. Immediately following our arrival we were asked: "fun station or sandwiches?". Unsure of what this really meant, Christa and I chose sandiwiches (I was hungry) and Paul and Ryan headed to fun stations (being the fun guys that they are).
Christa and I were instructed to join a group of volunteers in making sandwiches to feed the 700 people in attendance. Paul and Ryan joined a volley-ball game, until the intense heat and powerful teenage girl spikes brought them to the sandwich station. We had a great day preparing food and soaking up the atmosphere.

Before leaving we were treated to a taste of incredible Black South African rhythm. A song came on and kids all over the sports field started to move to the music. Man, those kids can dance! I felt akward just knowing what my jagged movements would look like if I had been bold enough to join in (needless to say, I was not). C, P, R and I just watched and absorbed the moment. It was awesome.

We have picture of the event, but because we are moving around right now we don't have them with us. We'll post a few when we get back to Cape Town. In the meantime, enjoy the long overdue update.