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World Cup Legacy to Help Africa’s Fight Against AIDS
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Abstract
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| On Dec. 5, following the draw for next year’s World Cup in South Africa, a center that combines soccer and HIV/AIDS education opened in the Cape Town slum of Khayelitsha. Football for Hope (FH) is the first of 20 such centers planned for across Africa, part of the International Federation of Association Football’s (FIFA) “20 Centers for 2010” campaign to build facilities to help young Africans combat HIV/AIDS.
“This center will use people’s passion for football to transform communities and to provide hope and opportunities for young people,” said FIFA President Sepp Blatter at the opening. “Many years from now people will still be benefitting from this and the other centers.”
At FH, kids played a game known as “Risk Field,” in which teams dribbled a soccer ball around a series of obstacles marked with AIDS-related signs. “It teaches you a lot. Soccer is a good way to learn because it is fun,” said 12-year-old Lihle Bonkolo.
FH will be managed by Grassroot Soccer, an organization founded by professional players from neighboring Zimbabwe, which has reached more than 300,000 children in 13 African countries. Youngsters who go through the program are less likely to engage in risky behavior and more likely to be compassionate for those with HIV/AIDS, say organizers.
“This is a magnificent project,” said South African soccer star Lucas Radebe. “Youngsters face a terrible future. Football can give them the opportunity to learn, to empower themselves.”
The next five centers will be built in Kenya, Namibia, Mali, Rwanda, and Ghana.
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Subjects
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Africa
Education and Prevention
HIV/AIDS
Public Awareness Campaigns
Sports
Youth
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Disclaimer: NPIN provides this information as a public service only. The views and information provided about the materials, news, funding opportunities, organizations, and conferences do not necessarily state or reflect those of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, CDC, or NPIN.
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cdcnpin.org News Record #54502
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