HIV/AIDS Awareness Sports Day
Project background
Many people living with AIDS or HIV are not only worried about their health, but they can also feel incredibly isolated from their own community. We wanted to do something here in the UK to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and encourage adults and young people to engage with it honestly and openly. Additionally, we wanted to run an open community event which could help to reduce the stigma of life with HIV/AIDS.
How did we help?
With the help of the Big Lottery Fund, we were able to host an HIV/AIDS awareness sports day for the community. Over 350 adults, young people and children joined in with net ball, tug-of-war, children's races and more. We were able to connect those suffering or worried about HIV/AIDS with those who have learned to live with the condition in order to reduce stigma and bring people together.
Project outcomes
Through the running of this sports day as well as several other similar activities in the UK, we've been able to encourage healthier, more active lifestyles for children and young people, raise awareness of HIV/AIDS and direct people to resources for testing/counselling, and recruit more volunteers to help host event days, take part in ongoing support groups and more.
