Volunteers received the toolkit “Together for HIV and AIDS prevention” autographed by Russian sport shooter Vasily Mosin, Bronze Olympic Champion, London-2012. Credit: UNAIDS
Participants of the 2013 Summer Universiade showing their red ribbons in support of people living with HIV. Credit: UNAIDS
"Games for Health. Games for life" was supported by Russian Olympic Champions —volleyball player Yekaterina Gamova; sport shooter Vasily Mosin; and water polo player Irek Zinnurov— and the Regional Youth Red Ribbon Team, a group of young famous singers from Eastern Europe and Central Asia including Julia Lasker and Dilyara Vagapova (Russia); Teo (Belarus), Kanykei (Kyrgyzstan); Dara (Moldova); Vlad Darwin (Ukraine); and Jassur Mirsagatov (Uzbekistan). Credit : UNAIDS
Feature Story
Summer World University Games in Russia raise HIV awareness among young athletes and volunteers
26 July 2013
26 July 2013 26 July 2013Kazan, Russian Federation was the host of the 27th Summer Universiade — World University Games. The event attracted 11 000 young athletes from more than 160 nations competing in 27 sports from artistic gymnastics to wrestling.
With this backdrop an HIV prevention project called Games for Health. Games for Life was launched. Around the world about 2300 people aged 15-24 become infected with HIV every day and many of the young people living with HIV are unaware of their HIV status. In the region where the Games took place (Eastern Europe and Central Asia) the number of people living with HIV has almost tripled since 2000.
As part of the launch of Games for Health. Games for Life, 35 000 HIV prevention hand-outs were distributed to participants and volunteers. And some 8000 volunteers participated in information sessions about HIV where they discussed issues such reducing stigma and discrimination and promoting the rights of people living with HIV.
The results of this HIV prevention initiative were presented to the next Universiade organizing committee and will be shared with the organizers of major upcoming sporting events including the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics and the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Quotes
Universiade is an event where young athletes and volunteers can combine their efforts to make our world a better place. Make your contribution to such a noble matter, as preventing the spread of HIV.
Only with participation of young people as active force we can stop the HIV epidemic in the region and contribute to reaching the goals of Zero new HIV infections and Zero discrimination.
It is as simple as that - take care of yourselves, your loved ones and support people who need your support.
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